U.S. Air Force Academy Welcomes Lt. Gen. Paul Moga As 23rd Superintendent - 08/07/26
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — Lt. Gen. Paul Moga became the 23rd Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy on Friday, assuming command from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind during a change of command ceremony on Stillman Field.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach presided over the leadership transition for the nation’s premier military service academy and a preeminent commissioning source for the Department of the Air Force.
“We are gathered today for a time-honored military tradition as we mark the transition of leadership at this premier institution from one outstanding leader, Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind, to another, Lieutenant General Paul "Max" Moga,” said Gen. Wilsbach. “Both men are stellar officers: they are smart, mission-focused, and seasoned warfighters. These leaders, both outgoing and incoming, have had deep impacts, and it’s a rare opportunity to celebrate both transitions at the same time.”
The new Superintendent is no stranger to the Academy and Colorado Springs; Lt. Gen. Moga is a 1995 Academy graduate and served as the Commandant of Cadets from 2021 to 2023.
A command pilot with more than 2,600 flight hours in the F-15C, F-22 and F-35A, including more than 250 combat hours, Lt. Gen. Moga has commanded at the squadron, wing and numbered Air Force levels. His previous leadership assignments include commanding Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, as well as serving as the first F-22 Demonstration Team commander. Additionally, Lt. Gen. Moga has held key joint staff positions at U.S. European Command and U.S. Northern Command.
Lt. Gen. Moga pinned on his third star prior to the change of command ceremony.
"The history and legacy of this Academy is written by the leaders and warfighters it forges," Lt. Gen. Moga said. "We will honor our history and our heritage while ruthlessly preparing our graduates for the future fight. I am incredibly proud to be back here as your Superintendent."
As a former Commandant of Cadets, Lt. Gen. Moga was highly respected for his hands-on, "in-the-trenches" leadership style. He famously ran the Jacks Valley obstacle and assault courses alongside basic cadets to model the warrior mindset.
Now, he will not only model the warrior mindset but will be responsible for shaping and maintaining the crucible of cadet training to forge the officers the Air Force, Space Force and nation need to fight and win on day one.
Lt. Gen. Moga will not accomplish this alone. A change of responsibility took place during the ceremony. Chief Master Sgt. Tessa Fontaine became the academy's new command chief master sergeant, assuming responsibility from Chief Master Sgt. John Alsvig. The command chief master sergeant is the superintendent’s senior enlisted leader and trusted adviser, responsible for the readiness, welfare, morale, quality of life and professional development of the unit's enlisted members.
Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind, a 1991 Academy graduate, relinquished command following a highly focused tenure dedicated to restoring the "Warrior Ethos" and adapting the 47-month cadet experience to meet the operational demands of modern conflict. His structural reforms prioritized standards, merit-based admissions and rigorous field exercises, including the Cadet Wing Culminating Exercise.
"Our focus over the last two years has been clear: we must prepare our graduates on day one to lead in a dynamic and changing world against adversaries wishing to harm our nation, our allies, and our partners," Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind said. "I am incredibly proud of how our Academy team has worked to restore the warrior ethos, elevate standards, and modernize our training. The future of our nation's air and space power is unquestionably strong."
The mission of the Academy is to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service and developed to lead our Air Force and Space Force as we fight and win our Nation’s wars.
For photos from today's ceremony visit Flickr, or for further information, contact U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications at usafa.media@us.af.mil or (719) 333-7731.