Air Force Academy – Lt. Gen. John F. Regni’s 32-year Air Force career came full circle Monday when he assumed command of the Air Force Academy as the school’s 17th superintendent.
Regni first looked out over the academy terrazzo in 1969. While many of his friends were heading to Woodstock, the 17-year- old Regni enrolled in basic cadet training.
The 1973 academy graduate was nominated in August to replace Lt. Gen. John Rosa Jr., who is leaving the academy to head The Citadel military school in South Carolina.
“This is something I never imagined,” Regni told an audience of about 500 assembled for the presentation of the colors and change of command Monday. “I did not see this coming.”
Regni is only the second non- pilot to lead the academy and takes over in the wake of high- profile episodes involving sexual assault and religious intolerance.
“My philosophy is to create a positive learning environment free from discrimination,” Regni said. “Every cadet has the right to progress to his or her highest potential.”
Regni said he will spend the first 60 days of his command surveying campus leadership and assessing needs.
He was called the “perfect choice” by Rosa and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John Corley.
Rosa, brought in to head the academy after a sex assault scandal led to the ouster of top leadership in 2003, said Regni is a friend with a similar management style.
“He is a man of integrity who will be open and honest,” Rosa said last week. “He will need to see what’s working and what is not – but, for the most part, stay the course and let what we’ve put in place take hold.”
Regni called his new challenges “daunting” but was upbeat about the current climate.
“The academy is on strong footing today,” said Regni, whose daughter, Jessica, graduated from the academy in 2003. “My goal is to make it even stronger.”
He spent the past five years in educational settings, most recently commanding Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. He has spent most of his career in personnel administration.
The new superintendent
Name: John F. Regni
Rank: Lieutenant general, superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, USAFA, 1973; master’s in systems management, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, 1981
Last assignment: Commander, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala.
Career highlights: Commander, 2nd Air Force, Keelser Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss. (2000-04); deputy chief of staff for personnel, Air Force Headquarters (1996-2000)
Decorations: Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal
Family: Wife Debby, son John Jr., daughter Jessica (a 2003 AFA grad)
