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Forging Warrior-Leaders: SECAF Underscores USAFA’s Vital Role in National Defense

Col. James Gresham, a U.S. Air Force Academy department head, left, discusses a research project with Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink at the Aeronautics Laboratory, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The tour highlighted how the Academy’s cutting-edge undergraduate research contributes to the Department of the Air Force’s modernization priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Col. James Gresham, a U.S. Air Force Academy department head, left, discusses a research project with Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink at the Aeronautics Laboratory, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The tour highlighted how the Academy’s cutting-edge undergraduate research contributes to the Department of the Air Force’s modernization priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

By SSgt Colin Hollowell
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink visited the U.S. Air Force Academy, April 13-14, to observe firsthand how the institution is developing the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders.

During his two-day tour, Secretary Meink engaged with cadets and leadership, reinforcing his priorities of modernization and readiness, while stressing that people remain the nation’s key competitive advantage. The visit highlighted how the Academy helps secure that advantage through initiatives designed to imbue every cadet with a warrior ethos and air, space, and cyber-mindedness.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink receives a tour of the Multi-Domain laboratory at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The visit showcased the Academy’s growing emphasis on cyber and technology education, which is critical to developing leaders prepared for future warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink receives a tour of the Multi-Domain laboratory at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The visit showcased the Academy’s growing emphasis on cyber and technology education, which is critical to developing leaders prepared for future warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

“The U.S. Air Force Academy is a preeminent institution for forging warrior-leaders to deter, fight, and win our nation’s wars,” stated Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Academy Superintendent. “We were honored to host Secretary Meink and demonstrate our commitment to this mission. His visit and steadfast leadership are invaluable as we evolve our military training, academics, and athletics programs and maintain, enhance, and advance our infrastructure to meet the demands of the future fight.”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink tours Sijan Hall with U.S. Air Force Academy leaders and staff at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. Meink’s visit, his first to the Academy outside of a graduation, underscored the strategic importance placed on the institution's mission to shape future Air and Space Force leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink tours Sijan Hall with U.S. Air Force Academy leaders and staff at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. Meink’s visit, his first to the Academy outside of a graduation, underscored the strategic importance placed on the institution’s mission to shape future Air and Space Force leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Secretary Meink’s immersion included discussions on the high-end academics that sets the Academy apart and included stops at the Aeronautics Laboratory and the Multi-Domain Lab, where faculty and cadets showcased cutting-edge undergraduate research. The tour also included the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, highlighting the institution’s focus on technological warfare education. He also met with the Academy’s permanent professors to discuss research and curriculum.

“I’m really impressed by the curriculum being taught here at USAFA,” said Meink. “Understanding Future Conflict is critical. Every cadet needs to understand that environment because it’s going to be incredibly different from what we have today. The academics and research that the cadets are pursuing while here at USAFA is what will help define the future of warfare.”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink observes a demonstration inside the Madera Cyber Innovation Center at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The visit showcased the Academy’s growing emphasis on cyber and technology education, which is critical to developing leaders prepared for future warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink observes a demonstration inside the Madera Cyber Innovation Center at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The visit showcased the Academy’s growing emphasis on cyber and technology education, which is critical to developing leaders prepared for future warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Following his tour of academic programs, he observed an Academy tradition—the noon-meal formation—before dining with cadets and offering brief comments to the entire Cadet Wing assembled in Mitchell Hall.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink speaks to cadets and faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. During his two-day visit, Meink reinforced his priorities of modernization and readiness, and how the Academy is integral to meeting those goals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink speaks to cadets and faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. During his two-day visit, Meink reinforced his priorities of modernization and readiness, and how the Academy is integral to meeting those goals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

“The United States has maintained air dominance and space dominance since World War II,” said Meink while addressing the cadets. “We are in one of the most rapidly evolving technological environments that I’ve ever seen. It is what you are doing here, and it is what you are going to do when you are commissioned, that will ensure we maintain that dominance. Thank you for your willingness to serve in our United States Air and Space Forces.”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink poses with U.S. Air Force Academy leadership and high performers at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. Meink recognized two high performers during his visit: Col. Candice Pipes, director of admissions, and Col. Jennifer Hall, director of operations, for the Academy’s spring culminating exercise, a capstone event that will test the entire 4,000-member Cadet Wing in a simulated, multi-domain, joint warfighting environment. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink poses with U.S. Air Force Academy leadership and high performers at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. Meink recognized two high performers during his visit: Col. Candice Pipes, director of admissions, and Col. Jennifer Hall, director of operations, for the Academy’s spring culminating exercise, a capstone event that will test the entire 4,000-member Cadet Wing in a simulated, multi-domain, joint warfighting environment. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

The Secretary also received an immersion into military training at the Academy at the Jacks Valley training area. While visiting Jacks Valley, Cadets highlighted military training programs designed to build leadership and warfighter readiness across USAFA’s entire 47-month integrated training program. This included a drone demonstration, where cadets operated small unmanned aerial vehicles to support the warfighter, and a live demonstration of the Assault Course, a formative experience for many cadets. Meink was also briefed on the Academy’s spring culminating exercise, a capstone event that tests the entire, 4,000-member Cadet Wing in a simulated multi-domain, joint warfighting environment.

At center, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink poses for a group photo with cadets in Jacks Valley, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. Meink’s visit highlighted the Department of the Air Force’s high-level commitment to the Academy’s mission of developing leaders of character. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
At center, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink poses for a group photo with cadets in Jacks Valley, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. Meink’s visit highlighted the Department of the Air Force’s high-level commitment to the Academy’s mission of developing leaders of character. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

The Secretary also experienced the Academy’s comprehensive Airmanship program firsthand by flying in a glider with a cadet instructor pilot from the 306th Flying Training Group.

“Flying with a cadet showed me just one of many examples of the exceptional quality of leaders we are building here,” he said. “It is incredible to see how these young men and women already possess an instinctive grasp of air-minded warfare…and it was fun.”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink poses with Cadet Brennen Hughes at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 14, 2026. The flight gave the Secretary a firsthand look at the Academy’s Airmanship program, which provides every cadet foundational aviation and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink poses with Cadet Brennen Hughes at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 14, 2026. The flight gave the Secretary a firsthand look at the Academy’s Airmanship program, which provides every cadet foundational aviation and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

He also made a stop at the Cadet Chapel where he received an update on the progress of the restoration, which has markedly accelerated in recent months.

“The work that the entire team has put in to accelerate this massive project is incredibly impressive,” he said. “Based on what I saw during the walk-through, I’m confident that we will be able to re-open this historic landmark in 2028.”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink tours the Combat Arms training range in Jacks Valley, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The visit to the rugged outdoor training area affirmed USAFA’s commitment to developing fundamental warfighter qualities like physical and mental resilience and leadership in the next generation of officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink tours the Combat Arms training range in Jacks Valley, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The visit to the rugged outdoor training area affirmed USAFA’s commitment to developing fundamental warfighter qualities like physical and mental resilience and leadership in the next generation of officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

As his visit concluded, Secretary Meink noted that the Academy’s transformation over the last year directly supports the Secretary of War’s direction to increase the readiness and lethality of the force.

Cadets brief Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink on drone operations during an upcoming exercise at Jacks Valley, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. Meink’s visit highlighted the Academy’s role as a force generation platform, uniquely equipped to forge leaders with the skills needed to fight and win the nation’s wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Cadets brief Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink on drone operations during an upcoming exercise at Jacks Valley, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. Meink’s visit highlighted the Academy’s role as a force generation platform, uniquely equipped to forge leaders with the skills needed to fight and win the nation’s wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

“It is clear the entire USAFA team has embraced Secretary Hegseth’s call to action,” said Meink. “I am very impressed on how they are preparing our future leaders for the Air and Space Force.”

See more photos of the Secretary of the Air Force, Troy Meink, visiting the U.S. Air Force Academy on Flickr.