The U.S. Air Force Academy marked a historic transition of leadership Aug. 7 as Lt. Gen. Paul “Max” Moga ’95 assumed command as the institution’s 23rd superintendent and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Tony Bauernfeind ’91 concluded an Air Force career spanning 35 years. 

The two Academy graduates’ careers have been defined by service, combat leadership and a commitment to developing future officers. Returning to lead his alma mater after serving as USAFA’s commandant of cadets from 2021 to 2023, Gen. Moga, who was joined at the ceremony by his spouse, Amanda (Jones- Greco) Moga ’01, and their two children, emphasized the Academy’s enduring mission and future focus. 

A command pilot with more than 2,600 flight hours in the F-15C, F-22 and F-35A, Gen. Moga takes the helm after commanding at the squadron, wing and numbered Air Force levels. Speaking directly to cadets during the ceremony, he said: “Don't forget your purpose: to become a commissioned officer and go on to fight and win our nation’s wars as members of the profession of arms.” 

Gen. Moga tells Checkpoints, “Returning to my wife’s and my alma mater as superintendent is an incredible privilege. My focus is on executing the critical mission of developing our future officers while instilling institutional pride across the entire USAFA community. The strength of the Long Blue Line is profound and does not reside solely within the gates of our great institution — it is sustained by the lifelong commitment of our dedicated alumni. Together, we will supercharge our efforts to ensure the Academy graduates airmen prepared to dominate the skies and guardians prepared to rule space — and everything in between.” 

Gen. Bauernfeind leaves a legacy centered on strengthening the Academy’s warrior ethos, elevating standards and reshaping the cadet experience to meet the demands of an increasingly complex security environment. 

“We must prepare our graduates on Day 1 to lead in a dynamic and changing world,” he said. 

Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach reflected on the significance of the moment. 

“Both men are stellar officers. They are smart, mission-focused, and seasoned warfighters,” he said. 

Later that day, at his retirement ceremony at the Kucera Legacy Center at Falcon Stadium, Gen. Bauernfeind reflected on the lesson that shaped his approach to command. 

“When we lose our focus on standards, it’s written in blood,” he said, crediting the lesson to Gen. (Ret.) Jim Slife. “Making the hard right may not be easy. It may not be fun. But it is what we must do for our airmen and their families.”