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Academy News Quick news from around the Academy

August 19, 2026

First Blue Tape Ceremony connects Guardian selects with Space Force mentors

U.S. Air Force Academy Guardian selects replace their Air Force name tape with a Space Force blue name tape during the inaugural Blue Tape Ceremony at Polaris Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 17, 2026. The ceremony welcomed Guardian selects and connected them with active-duty Guardian mentors as they prepare to commission into the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Michael Ward) By Tali Burress U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy cadets selected to join the U.S. Space Force took another step toward becoming...

Continue Reading First Blue Tape Ceremony connects Guardian selects with Space Force mentors

U.S. Air Force Academy Guardian selects replace their Air Force name tape with a Space Force blue name tape during the inaugural Blue Tape Ceremony at Polaris Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 17, 2026. The ceremony welcomed Guardian selects and connected them with active-duty Guardian mentors as they prepare to commission into the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Michael Ward)
August 14, 2026

Cadet Summer Research Program 2026 prepares cadets for future missions

Cadet 1st Class Garrett Clark operates an F-35 simulator during his Cadet Summer Research Program 2026 experience at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to contributing to the ePilot research project, Clark gained exposure to aerospace engineering and aircraft design through hands-on experiences with industry professionals. (Photo courtesy of Garrett Clark) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - During summer 2026, 287 USAFA cadets participated in Cadet Summer Research Program (CSRP), conducting research through more than 100 partnerships with military, government and industry organizations. Cadets worked on projects spanning the...

Continue Reading Cadet Summer Research Program 2026 prepares cadets for future missions

Cadet 2nd Class Garrett Clark operates an F-35 simulator during his Cadet Summer Research Program 2026 experience at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to contributing to the ePilot research project, Clark gained exposure to aerospace engineering and aircraft design through hands-on experiences with industry professionals. (Photo courtesy of Garrett Clark)
August 10, 2026

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind Retires, Closing 34-Year Career, From Cadet to Air Commando and Academy Superintendent

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, left, presents the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind during Bauernfeind's retirement ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 7, 2026. The ceremony marked the culmination of more than three decades of service that took Bauernfeind from the cockpit of MC-130 Combat Talons to the highest levels of Air Force Special Operations Command and back to lead his alma mater. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The career of Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, the 22nd Superintendent of the U.S. Air...

Continue Reading Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind Retires, Closing 34-Year Career, From Cadet to Air Commando and Academy Superintendent

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, left, presents the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind during Bauernfeind's retirement ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 7, 2024. The ceremony marked the culmination of more than three decades of service that took Bauernfeind from the cockpit of MC-130 Combat Talons to the highest levels of Air Force Special Operations Command and back to lead his alma mater.
August 7, 2026

Academy Welcomes Lt. Gen. Paul Moga as 23rd Superintendent

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach passes the U.S. Air Force Academy guidon from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind to Lt. Gen. Paul Moga during the U.S. Air Force Academy change of command ceremony on Stillman Field, Aug. 7, 2026. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the formal transfer of command and responsibility to the Academy's 23rd Superintendent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Lt. Gen. Paul Moga became the 23rd Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy after assuming command from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind during...

Continue Reading Academy Welcomes Lt. Gen. Paul Moga as 23rd Superintendent

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach passes the U.S. Air Force Academy guidon from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind to Lt. Gen. Paul D. Moga during the U.S. Air Force Academy change of command ceremony on Stillman Field, Aug. 7, 2026. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the formal transfer of command and responsibility to the Academy's 23rd Superintendent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
August 6, 2026

Cadet Warfighter Instructor’s Course equips cadets for future fight

Cadet 1st Class Ryan Kim (right), Cadet Warfighter Instructor’s Course (CWIC) Instructor, catches a small unmanned aerial system during a CWIC Field Training Exercise at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 28, 2026. The Academy’s most recent iteration of CWIC taught more than 120 cadets how to lead, teach expeditionary skills and build warfighter readiness within the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn) By Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The Cadet Warfighter Instructor’s Course (CWIC) develops 2nd class cadets into instructors who lead and...

Continue Reading Cadet Warfighter Instructor’s Course equips cadets for future fight

Cadet 1st Class Ryan Kim (right), Cadet Warfighter Instructor’s Course (CWIC) Instructor, catches a small unmanned aerial system during a CWIC Field Training Exercise at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 28, 2026. The Academy’s most recent iteration of CWIC taught more than 120 cadets how to lead, teach expeditionary skills and build warfighter readiness within the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn)
August 5, 2026

The Class of 2030 Earns Place in Academy’s Cadet Wing

Members of the Class of 2030 march on Stillman Field during the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. The Acceptance Day Parade marks the completion of Basic Cadet Training and the formal transition of fourth-class cadets into the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - More than 1,100 fourth-class cadets officially joined the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing during the Acceptance Day Parade on Stillman Field, marking the completion of Basic Cadet Training and the...

Continue Reading The Class of 2030 Earns Place in Academy’s Cadet Wing

Members of the Class of 2030 march on Stillman Field during the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. The Acceptance Day Parade marks the completion of Basic Cadet Training and the formal transition of fourth-class cadets into the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
August 3, 2026

Former Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm passes away

Retired Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm, the 11th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Hamm helped shape generations of cadets during a pivotal period in Air Force history. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Retired Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm, the 11th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, passed away July 23. Funeral arrangements are pending. Hamm helped shape generations of cadets during a pivotal period in Air Force history. “Lt. Gen. Hamm’s legacy is one of distinguished service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our Air Force and our Academy,” said Lt....

Continue Reading Former Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm passes away

Retired Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm, the 11th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Hamm helped shape generations of cadets during a pivotal period in Air Force history.
July 30, 2026

USAFA Realigns Academic Enterprise to Forge “Day One” Warfighters

Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets majoring in electrical and computer engineering collaborate during a lab exercise in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 25, 2024. Under the Academy's academic realignment, the department will become part of the School of Integrated Engineering Sciences, strengthening collaboration across disciplines while maintaining academic excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy is evolving its academic structure to maintain its academic programs’ relentless focus on mission through three operational...

Continue Reading USAFA Realigns Academic Enterprise to Forge “Day One” Warfighters

Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets majoring in electrical and computer engineering collaborate during a lab exercise in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 25, 2024. Under the Academy's academic realignment, the department will become part of the School of Integrated Engineering Sciences, strengthening collaboration across disciplines while maintaining academic excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
July 22, 2026

Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training builds readiness

Basic cadets from the Class of 2030 participate in Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 16, 2026. The training prepares cadets to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in deployed environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - At the U.S. Air Force Academy, basic cadets learn expeditionary skills that prepare them to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in tactical environments. Conducted during Basic Cadet Training at Jacks Valley, Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training develops teamwork, readiness and defensive...

Continue Reading Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training builds readiness

Basic cadets from the Class of 2030 participate in Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 16, 2026. The training prepares cadets to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in deployed environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
July 17, 2026

Basic Cadet Training program prepares basics for Academy life

Basic cadets march out to Jacks Valley during Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 12, 2026. The Basic Cadet Training program enters its second phase at Jacks Valley, where basic cadets complete field exercises, land navigation and weapons training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) By Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Every summer, the U.S. Air Force Academy's Basic Cadet Training program introduces its newest basic cadets to military life. Over 38 days, Military Training Instructors and Cadet Cadre teach the customs, standards...

Continue Reading Basic Cadet Training program prepares basics for Academy life

Basic cadets march out to Jacks Valley during Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 12, 2026. The Basic Cadet Training program enters its second phase at Jacks Valley, where basic cadets complete field exercises, land navigation and weapons training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
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