February 10, 2025

Laser and optics: cadets solve problems to advance research

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets 3rd Class Delaney Finley, left, and Annabelle Towles adjust a vacuum system that produces and traps a beam of silicon atoms in the U.S. Air Force Academy Laser and Optics Research Center, Jan. 22, 2025. The cadets’ project uses specific laser frequencies to cool and trap silicon atoms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy cadets are at the forefront of innovation as they solve real-world problems at the Laser and Optics Research Center. If successful,...

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February 6, 2025

Cadets advance unmanned aircraft systems technology

Cadet 1st Class Junhyung Park tests his capstone team’s counter-unmanned aircraft system in the U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Jan. 15, 2025. Capstone projects like this demonstrate cadets’ problem-solving skills while they conduct research that supports warfighting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadets in the U.S. Air Force Academy Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research solve complex problems to shape the future of unmanned aerial vehicle technology. They demonstrate their problem-solving skills while conducting meaningful research to support...

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January 28, 2025

Cadets aim to make explosive ordnance operations safer

Cadet 1st Class Simon Gott, left, and Cadet 1st Class Gunnar Gott discuss their electronic wire stabilization and cutting tool project in the U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Jan. 16, 2025. The brothers have applied for a provisional patent and hope their project is added to a list of 60 Academy patents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – A cadet brother team developed an electronic wire stabilization and cutting tool that could revolutionize explosive ordnance operations. Military members are...

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January 28, 2025

Squadron’s inauguration trip continues Academy tradition

Cadet Squadron 36 poses in front of the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington, Va., Jan. 20, 2025. The trip to Washington, D.C., was planned for the cadets to attend inauguration events, continuing a U.S. Air Force Academy tradition dating back to 1957. (Courtesy photo provided by Cadet 1st Class Landon Adkins) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Since President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second inauguration parade in 1957, U.S. Air Force Academy cadets have participated in the nation’s transfer of power. Cadet Squadron 36 became the latest cohort of cadets to be...

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January 17, 2025

Professor’s classroom is where critical thinking meets space policy

Department of Political Science Professor Madison Walker introduces her Space Policy game to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets Oct. 1, 2024. The space policy professor and Stanton Fellow introduces the game in class and in the Academy’s Azimuth summer space program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadets from different academic disciplines credit U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Political Science Professor Madison Walker with stoking their passion for space law, policy and research. Cadet 1st Class Anjulina Abdon, a Political Science major, worked...

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January 13, 2025

Human Performance Lab helps cadets improve strength, durability

Human Performance Lab Director Dr. Matthew Hawkey applies Cadet 1st Class Andrew Lu’s mask before his VO2 max training Jan. 3, 2025. The U.S. Air Force Academy boxer has experienced performance improvement from the testing that measures cardiovascular endurance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The staff at the Human Performance Lab facilitate the physiological development and performance of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets. “We facilitate the development of future warfighters through the science and practice of high-performance approaches for building strength, durability and...

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January 6, 2025

Seminar course empowers cadets with core engineering skills

Cadet 2nd Class Joshua Dibb practices welding skills in the Engineering Skills Seminar Dec. 9, 2024. The course functions as a shop class because it teaches cadets the foundational mechanical skills to progress in their major. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy cadets strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the Engineering Tools Seminar while learning fundamental shop skills. The Department of Mechanical Engineering course integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on application of 3D printing, machining, welding and woodworking skills...

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December 16, 2024

The Peak Performance Center: fostering strong mental health

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class MacKenzie Marti reads a Peak Performance Center brochure in the center’s office in Vandenberg Hall Dec. 5, 2024. Marti, an Aeronautical Engineering major, serves the center as a peer counselor and supports other cadets on a variety of issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – At the U.S. Air Force Academy, cadets have tools available to help them reach their full potential as future officers. The Peak Performance Center offers a range of holistic services focused on...

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December 9, 2024

Cyber Warfare Club: developing digital warriors

Cyber Warfare Club Cadets 4th Class Gabriel Cho, middle, and Nicholas Camperos hone their skills in performing exploitations and securing networks in the U.S. Air Force Academy Cyber Warfare Training Range in Fairchild Hall Nov. 20, 2024. The club equips cadets with the experience and skills they will need to face cyber conflicts as officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cyber Warfare Club members meet regularly to develop and hone their skills in preparation to become the nation’s next generation of digital warriors....

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December 2, 2024

Cadets honor Indian American hero in Pentagon ceremony

Cadet 3rd Class Anoushka Rishi, far right, and six fellow U.S. Air Force Academy cadets stand before a painting of actor and World War II veteran U.S. Army Air Corps Sgt. Sabu Dastagir at the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, Nov. 12, 2024. The other cadets, from left, are Cadet 3rd Class Aditya Nair, Cadet 3rd Class Grace Kurian, Cadet 3rd Class Sweta Chandra Mohan, and Cadets 4th Class Animesh Bijawat and Reva Kalbhor. Also pictured is Cadet Group 1 Commander Col. Aarti Puri and Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Class of 1993, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, installations and...

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