The U.S. Air Force Academy installed Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark as superintendent of the institution, Air Force Times reports.

He is the first black superintendent in the school’s 66-year history.

“I am honored and privileged for the opportunity to give something back,” said Clark at a ceremony on Wednesday.

Clark replaces Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, who retired after 35 years in the military.

“You are the perfect leader,” Air Force Chief of Staff C.Q. Brown said at the ceremony. “In fact, I cannot think of a leader more custom-made for this job.”

Photo by Trevor Cokley/Air Force