Military rank is a fundamental characteristic in the dynamics of the Colonial Fleet of Battlestar Galactica; One of these categories is CAG – Commander Air Group. This position, often filled by dynamic and charismatic figures, plays a vital role in the survival and defense of the Twelve Colonies and, later, the remnants of humanity.
The virtues of a good leader are reflected throughout the series, constituting one of the ways Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek they copied each other. The meaning of Battlestar GalacticaThe company’s CAGs can be described as the glue of the fleet. Although many in Galactica hold leadership positions, CAG’s unique skill set is essential for facing crises. With thousands of crew and civilians on board, a strong and decisive leader is crucial.
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Major Jackson Spencer
Played by John Mann
Major Jackson Spencer is the CAG of Galactica during the events of the miniseries, arriving before Season 1 in the Battlestar Galactica observe the order. His call sign is “Dipper” and his authority aboard Galactica shortly before its decommissioning is highly respected. Dipper is liked by the pilots as he treats them firmly but fairly before he meets a tragic end in Battlestar Galactica. The CAG is leading his squadron to Caprica, but his plans to supposedly be transferred to the Colonial Fleet are interrupted by a terrible surprise. The Cylons launch their attack on the Twelve Colonies, leading to their death in battle.
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Captain/Major Lee Adama
Played by Jamie Bamber
Lee Adama serves as CAG on two occasions in Battlestar Galactica – once as captain and once as major. Lee’s call sign is “Apollo” and he is first appointed CAG by Saul Tigh in the miniseries, following the Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies. Far from being a nepotistic achievement, Lee is reluctant to serve on Galactica. He has a complicated relationship with his father, Admiral William Adama, whom he blames for the death of his brother Zak.
Lee actively distanced himself from Bill during his training, but inherited his passion for flying. Seeing Lee become a CAG during both terms in Battlestar Galactica, as well as his advisory role to President Roslin, it’s some satisfying character development to follow. This follows the evolution of their relationships, with Bill and Kara in particular. Lee’s arc, in particular, is one of the things that makes Battlestar Galactica one of the best science fiction shows.
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Captain George Birch
Played by Benjamin Ayres
George “Catman” Birch has a tenuous tenure at the CAG in Battlestar Galactica. He becomes captain and CAG after captain Lee Adama’s defection in season 2. Catman’s position is temporary, lasting only two episodes. Although Adama values his dedication and loyalty, Tigh doubts Birch’s expertise. Tigh’s concerns are validated when Birch puts Katraine in danger during an asteroid field exercise. and nearly crashes the Striker during refueling. Later, Birch is assigned to pilot duty. This makes Birch’s shorter CAG tenure Battlestar Galactica.
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Captain Kara Thrace
Played by Katee Sackhoff
Kara Thrace, often known by her call sign “Starbuck”, also had two stints as CAG in Battlestar Galactica, with his second race making it the last CAG of the series. She’s arguably the most interesting CAG to follow, given her long character arc. Starbuck is an excellent pilot and battle planner, but is deliberately written with likable human flawsincluding his issues with authority. However, his arrogant dialogue is among the best quotes in Battlestar Galactica.
Starbuck is compelling, unpredictable, and relatable, adding to the appeal of the changes in CAGs throughout the series.
Starbuck is compelling, unpredictable, and relatable, adding to the appeal of the changes in CAGs throughout the series. It’s crucial that she remains believably human. On the other hand, the fact that there’s just the right amount of uncertainty surrounding who is Cylon and who isn’t, without compromising the representation of humanity, is part of what makes it BSG excellent. Starbuck’s final twist in Battlestar Galactica remains divisive.
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Captain Louanne Katraine
Played by Luciana Carro
Louanne Katraine becomes CAG during the occupation of New Caprica. Her call sign is “Kat”, although her real name is Sasha. With Starbuck and Apollo in the failure of Pegasus and Birch as CAG, Kat seems like the best choice to lead during the latter part of season 2 and the beginning of season 3.
Kat is arrogant and stubborn as a character, often resulting in confrontations with Starbuck. Just one of the traits Kat shares with Starbuck is being a proud and highly skilled pilot and tactician, contributing to their rivalry. The duo isn’t afraid to call each other out on their bad behavior, leading to some satisfying character growth outside of the conflict for both characters in Battlestar Galactica, especially when the pair reconcile before Kat’s death.
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Captain Karl Agathon
Played by Tahmoh Penikett
Captain Karl Agathon is almost always addressed by his call sign “Helo”. Helo’s ability and moral compass make him a great CAG when he is appointed. This is a tumultuous time in the series, when Kat and Starbuck have died and Lee Adama is falling apart. Helo is an endearing CAG because he’s so connected to the moral ethos of the show; he is in a relationship with Athena, a Cylon, who is initially met with resistance and repulsion from the crew.
Helo is undoubtedly the closest to a moral ideal among all the CAGs.
Helo and Athena’s actions, rather than Athena’s Cylon status, define her humanity, which becomes particularly significant through her hybrid daughter, Hera. No one is perfectly “good” at Battlestar Galactica, another important message, but Helo is arguably the closest to a moral ideal of all the CAGs. His main transgressions throughout the show, if they can be called that, involve preventing a sexual assault, prioritizing the safety of his family, and preventing potential genocide. Although he is supposedly morally gray, he serves a greater good.