In front of family members, friends, Academy leaders and Class of 1993 classmates, Brig. Gen. Kristin Goodwin '93 assumed command of the United States Air Force Academy's cadet wing as the 28th commandant of cadets at a Monday, May 15, ceremony.

"To the Cadet Wing, I promise you ... you will always be my top priority," Brig. Gen. Goodwin told the cadets who watched from formation. "My actions will reflect a commitment to your continued growth and well being ... in preparation to excel as warriors and combat leaders. I can't say it more simply than I will have your backs and I know you will have mine."

Brig Gen. Goodwin pledged that she would support cadets in "every way possible, every single day."

"I am honored to lead and be part of this great mission," she told cadets. "I cannot think of any other place I'd rather be than with you. I am excited to see the new heights we will achieve together."

USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson '81 took a few moments to welcome the new commandant and her family.

"The Air Force couldn't have chosen a better leader for these days," Lt. Gen. Johnson commented. "Welcome aboard."

Johnson also took the opportunity to thank the previous commandant, Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams '89, who has gone on to become director of Air and Cyberspace Operations, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces.

"We're thankful to him for his service," Lt. Gen. Johnson said.

Goodwin graduated from the Academy with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. During her time at the Academy, Brig. Gen. Goodwin was a member of the Wings of Blue and played some soccer.

She's a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours in various aircraft, flying C-130s, B-2s and B-52s.

Brig. Gen. Goodwin was the first woman to command the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and served as vice commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

Most recently, she served as senior military assistant to the secretary of the Air Force.

"Her career has been marked by excellence," Lt. Gen. Johnson said. "This is an airman who understands the big picture and she understands the challenges that our cadets will face as they graduate and become lieutenants in our United States Air Force."

In a press conference following the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Goodwin said she's excited to return to her alma mater.

"An alma mater that I love and that I'm proud of," she said, "that has helped me build a foundation of who I am as a person and as a leader."

Brig. Gen. Goodwin admitted that the Academy and the Air Force has changed since her time as a cadet, but the changes have been positive.

"It's even better than when I was here," she said. "It's better because we've had leaders who came since I was here in 1993 that adapt and adjust to the challenges in the world. This is a different world — this is a different Academy — than 24 years ago. It needs to be, because we need to adjust and we need to adapt to the external challenges that we have."

As commandant, Goodwin will command the 4,000-member cadet wing and a staff of more than 300 airmen and civilians who manage cadets' military training, logistics and facilities, and daily activities, including participation in the Academy's Airmanship Programs.