Graduation Week for the Captain Louis Zamperini Class of 2018, and the 60th Graduating Class began on Sunday, 20 May and concluded with the Graduation Ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Wednesday, 23 May.

Graduation Week is comprised of a multitude of activities and events across the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadets and their guests take part in receptions, award ceremonies, baccalaureate services, concerts, parades, air demonstrations, and commissioning ceremonies. The week culminates at Falcon Stadium with the Graduation Ceremony. Speakers rotate between the President of the United States, Vice President, Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force. At the close of the ceremony, cadets are dismissed and ceremoniously toss their caps into the air. Cheers and celebration are quickly silenced by the roar of the legendary Thunderbirds flying overhead to honor the graduating class. More information is available by visiting the Guest information and Schedule of Events pages. Photos from the 2018 ceremony are available here.

Graduation Highlights

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A Welcome Letter from the Superintendent

On behalf of your entire United States Air Force Academy community, I am thrilled to extend my congratulations on your cadet’s upcoming graduation! Over the past four years, the members of the Class of 2018 have built the foundation for promising careers of service on a bedrock of education, military and athletic training, and character development. As this class has progressed through our interdisciplinary and challenging curriculum, we have tested them in many ways. They have proven themselves as leaders and are ready for even greater challenges. My staff and I are confident that they will succeed and are extremely proud of your cadet! More…

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Bluebards Theatre Performance

The Academy’s Bluebards Theatre Troupe proudly present the timeless classic, “West Side Story”, in three separate performances during graduation week.
West Side Story Program

Thursday, 17 May at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, 19 May at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, 20 May at 1:00 p.m., Arnold Hall Theater, no tickets required, open to the public

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Cadet Graduation Concert

In honor of the graduating class of 2018, the Cadet Chorale Choir, Cadet Orchestra, and the Air Force Academy’s premier a capella group “In The Stairwell” will perform a special concert for cadets, family, and guests.”
Graduation Concert Program

Monday, 21 May, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Arnold Hall Ballroom, no tickets required, open to the public

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Cadet Aerial Demonstrations and Graduation Parade

Watch our Wings of Blue parachute team, glider team and powered flight aircraft demonstrate various cadet-led aviation and leadership programs offered to cadets during their four years at the academy. The parade begins immediately after the conclusion of the demonstrations. During the parade the graduating class will turn over its command of the Cadet Wing to the Class of 2019.
Tuesday, 22 May, Stillman Field, Aerial Demonstrations: 7:30-9:00 a.m., Graduation Parade: 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

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Graduation Ceremony

Four years of hard work and dedication have finally paid off. Join the 60th graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy as they receive their diplomas and commission as second lieutenants. Secretary of Defense James Mattis will be the speaker for this year’s ceremony. Children (ages 7-10 only) will be allowed on the stadium floor to retrieve hats from the graduates’ hat toss at the end of the ceremony.
Wednesday, 23 May, 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Falcon Stadium, tickets required

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Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration

The USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration takes place over Falcon Stadium immediately following the graduation ceremony. The team is comprised of selected pilots assigned to demonstrate the coordination, discipline and flying ability that combat-capable pilots require to fulfill their vital role in our nation’s defense.
Wednesday, 23 May, following the Graduation Ceremony, Falcon Stadium, tickets required

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Future Graduation:

• Thursday, 30 May 2019