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Academy News Quick news from around the Academy

June 8, 2026

Academy Coach Taylor Lorbiecki Takes to the Skies to Better Prepare Future Aviators

Taylor Lorbiecki sits in the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon before taking off for an orientation flight over Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 27, 2026. The flight honored Lorbiecki, the Academy’s Academic Year 2025-2026 Civilian Instructor of the Year, whose work supports cadets across the Academy. Lorbiecki led the development of the Academy's Rated Physical Readiness capstone course to build the mental, physical, nutritional, and recovery capabilities required for rated assignments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tiana Williams) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Taylor Lorbiecki, a U.S. Air Force...

Continue Reading Academy Coach Taylor Lorbiecki Takes to the Skies to Better Prepare Future Aviators

Taylor Lorbiecki sits in the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon before taking off for an orientation flight over Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 27, 2026. The flight honored Lorbiecki, the Academy’s Academic Year 2025-2026 Civilian Instructor of the Year, whose work supports cadets across the Academy. Lorbiecki led the development of the Academy's Rated Physical Readiness capstone course to build the mental, physical, nutritional, and recovery capabilities required for rated assignments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tiana Williams)
June 8, 2026

Academy Welcomes New 306th FTG Commander

Col. Nancy E. Taylor and Col. Paul J. Brehm share a moment during the 306th Flying Training Group change of command ceremony at Davis Airfield, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 3, 2026. During the 306th Flying Training Group change of command, Brehm assumed responsibility for leading the Academy's cadet airmanship programs and flying training operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Col. Paul J. Brehm assumed command of the 306th Flying Training Group from Col. Nancy E. Taylor during a change of command ceremony at Davis...

Continue Reading Academy Welcomes New 306th FTG Commander

Col. Nancy E. Taylor and Col. Paul J. Brehm share a moment during the 306th Flying Training Group change of command ceremony at Davis Airfield, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 3, 2026. During the 306th Flying Training Group change of command, Brehm assumed responsibility for leading the Academy's cadet airmanship programs and flying training operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
June 3, 2026

Class of 2026 stats: Graduation by the numbers

U.S. Air Force Academy graduates toss their hats skyward at Falcon Stadium after commissioning as second lieutenants during the Academy's commencement ceremony May 28, 2026. Class of 2026 stats show that 809 graduates entered the Air Force and 93 entered the Space Force, beginning their service as the nation's newest military officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - More than 900 cadets graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy during a May 28 ceremony at Falcon Stadium. The Class of 2026 included 809 graduates...

Continue Reading Class of 2026 stats: Graduation by the numbers

U.S. Air Force Academy graduates toss their hats skyward at Falcon Stadium after commissioning as second lieutenants during the Academy's commencement ceremony May 28, 2026. Class of 2026 stats show that 809 graduates entered the Air Force and 93 entered the Space Force, beginning their service as the nation's newest military officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)
May 28, 2026

Vice President Vance congratulates Class of 2026

The U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduates toss their hats skyward as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds roar overhead at Falcon Stadium during the 2026 graduation ceremony at the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The Academy generates combat power by developing premier leaders prepared to lead and adapt in complex, contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) By SSgt Colin Hollowell U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Vice President JD Vance addressed more than 900 graduating cadets during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2026 commencement ceremony at Falcon...

Continue Reading Vice President Vance congratulates Class of 2026

Vice President of the United States JD Vance waits with Air Force and Space Force cadets at the beginning of the class of 2026 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium, U.S. Air Force Academy Colo., May 28, 2026. During the 2026 graduation ceremony, over 900 cadets crossed the stage to become second lieutenants, stepping forward as mission-ready warfighters prepared to lead on Day One. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
May 19, 2026

Vice President JD Vance named commencement speaker for U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduation

Official portrait of Vice President JD Vance. (photo courtesy of The White House) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy is honored to announce that Vice President JD Vance will serve as the speaker for the Academy's commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Falcon Stadium. Vice President Vance was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025. He previously served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and is a Marine Corps veteran who served on active duty from 2003 to 2007. The Class of 2026 graduation marks the Academy's...

Continue Reading Vice President JD Vance named commencement speaker for U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduation

Official photo of Vice President JD Vance in landscape
May 18, 2026

Hosmer Visitor Center Grand Opening Showcases Cadet Experiences

Tim Jackson, Denver resident and first visitor, speaks with cadets from the Sabre Drill Team during the Hosmer Visitor Center grand opening at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 16, 2026. More than 1,600 people attended the grand opening and interacted with cadets, hands-on displays and activities designed to connect them with the Academy’s mission, heritage and cadet journey. (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. - More than 1,600 people attended the May 16, 2026, grand opening of the General...

Continue Reading Hosmer Visitor Center Grand Opening Showcases Cadet Experiences

Tim Jackson, Denver resident and first visitor, speaks with cadets from the Sabre Drill Team during the Hosmer Visitor Center grand opening at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 16, 2026. More than 1,600 people attended the grand opening and interacted with cadets, hands-on displays and activities designed to connect them with the Academy’s mission, heritage and cadet journey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn)
May 18, 2026

Academy opens Hosmer Visitor Center with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, from left, Colorado Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley Hosmer, Zita Hosmer, Jerry Bruni, Pam Bruni, Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, and Dan Schnepf cut the ribbon during the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon cutting, May 15, 2026, at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The ceremony marked the official opening of the 34,000-square-foot center designed to showcase the cadet experience and Academy heritage. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley) By Jeff Troth U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy celebrated the opening...

Continue Reading Academy opens Hosmer Visitor Center with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, from left, Colorado Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley Hosmer, Zita Hosmer, Jerry Bruni, Pam Bruni, Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, and Sam Schnepf cut the ribbon during the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon cutting, May 15, 2026, at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The ceremony marked the official opening of the 34,000-square-foot center designed to showcase the cadet experience and Academy heritage. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley)
May 11, 2026

FalconSAT program builds cadet skills through space projects

Cadet 1st Class Keerthana Avvaru places a reaction wheel into a thermotron at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 6, 2026. Components used in the FalconSAT program are tested in hot and cold temperatures to evaluate how they respond in space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - At the U.S. Air Force Academy, cadets deliver end-of-semester reviews to faculty and leaders from the Department of War and the aerospace industry for the Academy’s Falcon satellite program. Cadets focus on a specific FalconSAT area,...

Continue Reading FalconSAT program builds cadet skills through space projects

Cadet 1st Class Keerthana Avvaru places a reaction wheel into a thermotron at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 6, 2026. Components used in the FalconSAT program are tested in hot and cold temperatures to evaluate how they respond in space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
May 6, 2026

Maj. Gen. Moga nominated to lead U.S. Air Force Academy following Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind

Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Third Air Force commander, conducts pre-flight checks in an F-35A Lightning II aircraft during his final flight at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 1, 2026. Moga has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours in six different fighter aircraft during his career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sierra Casteel) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The President of the United States has nominated Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Commander, Third Air Force, to serve as the 23rd Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy and promotion to the rank of...

Continue Reading Maj. Gen. Moga nominated to lead U.S. Air Force Academy following Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind

Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Third Air Force commander, conducts pre-flight checks in an F-35A Lightning II aircraft during his final flight at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 1, 2026. Moga has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours in six different fighter aircraft during his career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sierra Casteel)
May 4, 2026

Academy Research Showcase highlights innovation

Attendees sit and observe presentations during the Academy Research Showcase at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 28, 2026. The event brought together military, industry and academic partners to engage with cadet research and explore solutions to real-world challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SSgt. Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy hosted the first Academy Research Showcase at the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, bringing together military, industry and academic partners to engage with the Academy’s undergraduate research enterprise. Connecting research to real-world missions...

Continue Reading Academy Research Showcase highlights innovation

Attendees sit and observe presentations during the Academy Research Showcase at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 28, 2026. The event brought together military, industry and academic partners to engage with cadet research and explore solutions to real-world challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
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