Military rank is a key feature in the Colonial Fleet dynamics of Battlestar Galactica; one of these ranks is that of 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 upon throughout the series, making for one of the ways Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek copied each other. The meaning of Battlestar Galactica‘s CAGs can be described as the glue of the fleet. While many on Galactica hold leadership roles, the CAG’s unique skill set is essential for navigating crises. With thousands of crew and civilians aboard, a strong and decisive leader is crucial.
6 Major Jackson Spencer
Played By John Mann
Major Jackson Spencer is Galactica’s CAG during the events of the miniseries, coming before season 1 in the Battlestar Galactica watch order. His call sign is “Dipper” and his authority aboard Galactica just before her decommissioning is well-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 be supposedly redeployed to the Colonial Fleet are cut short by an awful surprise. The Cylons launch their attack on the Twelve Colonies, leading to his death in battle.
5 Captain/Major Lee Adama
Played By Jamie Bamber
Lee Adama serves as CAG on two occasions in Battlestar Galactica – once as a captain, and once as a 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 his brother Zak’s death.
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Lee actively distanced himself from Bill during his training but inherited his passion for flying. Seeing Lee come into his own as CAG during both tenures in Battlestar Galactica, as well as his advisory role to President Roslin, is a satisfying character development to follow. This runs alongside his evolving 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 sci-fi shows.
4 Captain George Birch
Played By Benjamin Ayres
George “Catman” Birch has a tenuous CAG tenure in Battlestar Galactica. He is made both captain and CAG following the defection of Captain Lee Adama in season 2. Catman’s position is temporary, lasting only two episodes. While Adama values his dedication and loyalty, Tigh doubts Birch’s experience. Tigh’s concerns are validated when Birch endangers Katraine during an asteroid field exercise and nearly crashes the Striker during refueling. Later, Birch is assigned to pilot duty. This makes Birch’s the shortest CAG tenure of Battlestar Galactica.
3 Captain Kara Thrace
Played By Katee Sackhoff
Kara Thrace, often known by her call sign “Starbuck,” also has two stints as CAG in Battlestar Galactica, with her second run making her the last CAG of the series. She is arguably the most interesting CAG to follow, given her long-running character arc. Starbuck is an excellent pilot and battle planner but is deliberately written with likable human flaws, including her problems with authority. Yet her cocky dialogue is among the best quotes in Battlestar Galactica.
Starbuck is compelling, unpredictable, and relatable, adding to the appeal of the changing CAGs throughout the series.
Starbuck is compelling, unpredictable, and relatable, adding to the appeal of the changing CAGs throughout the series. It is crucial that she remains believably human. On the other hand, that there is just the right amount of uncertainty around who is Cylon and who is not without compromising the portrayal of humanity is part of what makes BSG great. Starbuck’s ending twist in Battlestar Galactica remains divisive.
2 Captain Louanne Katraine
Played By Luciana Carro
Louanne Katraine becomes CAG during the New Caprica occupation. Her call sign is “Kat” although her real name is Sasha. With Starbuck and Apollo on Pegasus and Birch’s failure as CAG, Kat seems the best choice to lead during the latter part of season 2 and the beginning of season 3.
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Kat is arrogant and headstrong as a character, often resulting in her butting heads with Starbuck. Just one of the traits Kat shares with Starbuck is being a proud, highly skilled pilot and tactician, contributing to their rivalry. The pair is unafraid to challenge each other for their poor behavior, leading to satisfying character growth out of conflict for both characters in Battlestar Galactica, especially when the pair reconciles before Kat’s death.
1 Captain Karl Agathon
Played By Tahmoh Penikett
Captain Karl Agathon is almost always addressed by his call sign “Helo.” Helo’s capability and moral compass make him a great CAG when he is appointed. This is at a tumultuous moment in the series when both Kat and Starbuck have died, and Lee Adama is falling apart. Helo is a captivating CAG because he is so connected to the moral ethos of the show; he is in a relationship with Athena, a Cylon, which is initially met with resistance and disgust from the crew.
Helo is arguably the closest to a moral ideal out of all the CAGs.
Helo and Athena’s actions, rather than Athena’s Cylon status, define their humanity, made particularly significant through their hybrid daughter Hera. Nobody is perfectly “good” in Battlestar Galactica, another key message, but Helo is arguably the closest to a moral ideal out of all the CAGs. His major transgressions throughout the show, if they can be called that, involve preventing a sexual assault, prioritizing his family’s safety, and stopping a potential genocide. Although he is allegedly morally gray, he serves the greater good.
The 2004 science fiction TV series Battlestar Galactica is a reimagining of the 1978 series of the same title. Created by Glen A. Larson, the original Battlestar Galactica features a fictional human civilization living in a distant star system called the Twelve Colonies. They are in constant battle against a cybernetic race called the Cylons, who want to exterminate the human race. A massive attack was launched, and only those who made it onboard the Battlestar Galactica and its fleet survived. They navigate space in search of the mythical 13th colony called Earth. Battlestar Galactica is under the command of President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and Colonial Fleet Officer, Admiral William Adama (Edward James Olmos).
- Cast
- Grace Park , Katee Sackhoff , Mary McDonnell , Tahmoh Penikett , Tricia Helfer , Edward James Olmos , Aaron Douglas , James Callis , Alessandro Juliani , Michael Hogan , Jamie Bamber , Kandyse McClure
- Release Date
- October 18, 2004
- Franchise(s)
- Battlestar Galactica
- Showrunner
- Ronald D. Moore
- Seasons
- 4
- Writers
- Ronald D. Moore
- Directors
- Michael Rymer , Michael Nankin
