MINNEAPOLIS — Gov. Mark Dayton has named Maj. Gen. Jon A. Jensen to take over as head of the Minnesota National Guard.

Jensen will replace Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, who is reaching mandatory retirement age in October. He will serve a seven-year term.

Jensen will serve as the 31st adjutant general of the Minnesota Guard.

In a statement Wednesday, Dayton cited Jensen’s command of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division as well as serving as chief of staff to the Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters.

“I am confident that he will continue to provide the same outstanding leadership, as his predecessor, General Rick Nash,” Dayton said.

“I thank Governor Dayton for the opportunity to continue my service to the Minnesota National Guard as adjutant general,” said Jensen. “I am committed to leading my fellow National Guard members to build on the foundation of one of the strongest National Guards in the country. Through service and sacrifice, we will work together day and night to make our state, our nation, and our world better, safer places.”