The Air Force Academy bid farewell to Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind on Friday morning and welcomed his replacement Lt. Gen. Paul Moga in a change of command ceremony that featured parachutists and the rifle and sabre drill teams. 

The Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach highlighted some of Bauernfeind’s reforms at the Academy. Those featured a new four-class system aimed at developing leadership as cadets rise through their years at school. He also oversaw the introduction of new culminating military exercises during the academic semester.   

“You put the military back into the military service academy,” Wilsbach said. 

He noted Bauernfeind also oversaw work to modernize the curriculum and emphasize fitness. The outgoing superintendent also encouraged cadets to play hard and appeared as Darth Vader at a Halloween event, Wilsbach said. 

“The fruits of your labor are clear — increased applications and record-high stats across commitments, fitness and academics,” he said. 

Bauernfeind is departing after two years at the academy, after requesting to retire. The academy also welcomed a new dean and a new commandant earlier this year. The commandant is charged with leading the military education at the institution. 

In his address, the outgoing superintendent honored the whole academy ecosystem that works to educate cadets as they prepare to become officers.

Bauernfeind also highlighted how cadets have stepped up to the new physical fitness standards, noting the Class of 2030 just set the highest average physical fitness score over the last decade. 

As he departs the military amid high geopolitical tensions, Bauernfeind said he had faith in the young officers before him. 

“When I see your dedication, your grit and your commitment to our core values, just know that I sleep soundly at night,” he said. 

Wilsbach described the incoming superintendent Moga as a former brilliant commandant of cadets who was willing to run the obstacle and assault course in Jacks Valley. 

He said Moga’s brand of leadership is “hands-on, authentic and relentless.”