President Obama has nominated Maj. Gen. Michelle Johnson to serve as the 19th superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. If the Senate confirms her, Johnson will become the first woman to serve in that post. Johnson is a 1981 graduate of the academy, where she played varsity basketball and became the school’s first female Rhodes Scholar. Her Air Force career included stints as a command pilot for C-141 Starlifters, KC-10 Extenders, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, C-5 Galaxy transports, and KC-135 Stratotankers. She also served as an instructor pilot at the academy, and as assistant professor of political science. She now serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and NATO, in Casteau, Belgium.