Nia Long is heading to the City of Angels.

The actress is joining the cast of CBS' "NCIS: Los Angeles" as a series regular ahead of Season 9. She'll play Shay Mosely, the team's new executive assistant director, filling the void left by the previous assistant director Owen Granger. Granger had been portrayed by Miguel Ferrer, who died in January.

Mosely is a former Secret Service agent and Washington insider who brings an East Coast vibe to the L.A. branch of NCIS.

Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill said, "The character was created specifically for Nia to capitalize on her strengths and personality and we are excited about the new opportunities and dynamics she brings to the show," said "We couldn't be happier to have her join our family."

Long is a veteran actress who has appeared in television shows including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Third Watch," "Boston Legal," and "House of Lies." Most recently, she starred in the Lifetime remake of the movie "Beaches" and did an eight-episode arc on "Empire."

She is also an accomplished film actress, with roles in "Boyz n the Hood," "The Best Man," "The Best Man Holiday," and "Are We There Yet?"

"NCIS: LA" Season 9 premieres Sunday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 p.m. on CBS.