President Donald Trump has nominated Maj. Gen. Jay Silveria to be the next superintendent of the US Air Force Academy, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. Silveria is a 1985 graduate of the Academy and holds a Master of Social Science degree from Syracuse University, N.Y. He currently serves as deputy commander of US Air Forces Central Command. If confirmed by the Senate, he will also receive a third star. Silveria would replace Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, who has served as USAFA superintendent since 2013 and is the first woman to hold the position. Johnson is retiring, according to a USAFA spokesperson.
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.