Integrity first: 2nd Lt. Caleb Kavanaugh’s leadership path

Cadet 1st Class Caleb Kavanaugh, Class of 2025 president, speaks to graduates and audience members during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2025 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 29, 2025. (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 military trainer Master Sgt. Nicholas Filip first met 2nd Lt. Caleb Kavanaugh when Kavanaugh joined Cadet Squadron 6 four years ago as a four-degree. Filip appraised the prior-enlisted cadet from that first meeting as “the boldest and most confident of the squadron’s “Baby Bulls” and already prepared to lead.”

Kavanaugh graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and came from the same enlisted U.S. Air Force aircrew flight equipment technician career field as Filip did.

Kavanaugh reflects on the past four years as the great preparation for the type of leader he aspires to be during his Air Force career.

“Always look after your people,” Kavanaugh said. “The mission has to get done, which is like the first thing, mission first. But right after that, you got your people, make sure your people are okay because they are the ones doing the mission.”

Class of 2025 cadets present a class portrait to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink during their graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 29, 2025. Just over 900 cadets made up the graduating Class of 2025, with about half becoming rated officers and 93 graduates joining the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Lessons learned in the shadow of setback

Kavanaugh notes his Academy journey was not easy. Indeed, he experienced challenges that he had not contemplated or predicted, but facing these head-on led to growth. He considers the darkest time when he was placed on probation during his second year as a cadet. He used an unauthorized source and did not cite it when writing an English essay. Kavanaugh took the time he was restricted to the installation to focus on his studies and deepen his friendships to bolster his support network.

“Being on probation was definitely a tough time for me,” Kavanaugh said. “But I faced it. I realized I made a mistake. I owned up to it and faced the consequences. I was pushed to my limit, and I wanted to leave, but going through those moments gave me the ability to be a strong leader. In turn, having overcome these challenges, I’ll be a stronger Air Force officer.”

Cadet 2nd Class Caleb Kavanaugh addresses the Class of 2025 at their Commitment Dinner, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., August 14, 2023. Once cadets return to the Academy for their second-class year, they incur the financial or active duty “commitment” for their education if they depart the Academy prior to graduation. This profound commitment to the Air Force or Space Force is celebrated with a formal dinner. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rayna Grace)

Class of 2025 president

Kavanaugh’s decision to successfully run for Class of 2025 president confirmed Filip’s initial assessment.

“It was the first of many moments when he demonstrated that leadership was not just an ambition for him — it was instinctive,” said Filip. “Kav is not just eager for leadership — he leads with strategy, forethought and a level of maturity I have seen many seasoned officers strive for.

In this role as president, Kavanaugh was responsible for planning the milestone dinners such as the Exemplar Dinner, Commitment Dinner and Ring Dance. Additionally, he played an integral role in electing the class exemplar and designing the class crest. He also met with the Commandant of Cadets and the Superintendent to advocate on behalf of the class.

“Serving as president of the Class of 2025 taught me how to represent people better,” Kavanaugh said. “I also learned how to manage big tasks in a timely manner, along with meeting so many people and creating relationships across the entire class.”

Cadet 1st Class Caleb Kavanaugh with Congressman Don Davis at the United States Capitol, Washington D.C., July 2024. Kavanaugh participated in a six-week Congressional internship and was able to gain a front-row seat to the legislative process and observe the inner workings of Congress. (Courtesy photo provided by Caleb Kavanaugh)

A commitment to service

A six-week internship with Congressman Don Davis, Class of 1994, solidified Kavanaugh’s political aspirations, which started in high school. As a rising firstie, he was able to gain a front-row seat to the legislative process and observe the inner workings of Congress.

When Kavanaugh recently revealed his post-graduation plans to his Academy military trainer, Filip’s belief in him as a leader was validated.

“He confided to me that he is committed to serving a full 20-year career in uniform before he considers elected office,” Filip said. “That choice told me everything I needed to know. Kavanaugh is exactly the kind of leader of character we strive to develop for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force — bold, committed and rooted in service before self.

Kavanaugh graduated from the Academy with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Later this summer, he will begin Air Education and Training Command’s remotely piloted aircraft training at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.