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Academy News Quick news from around the Academy

February 23, 2026

Cadets deepen understanding of combat and crisis-tested character during annual symposium

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, staff, coaches and faculty attend the opening ceremony of the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 20, 2026. Reflecting the theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” the symposium featured a warfighting-focused lineup of speakers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By TSgt Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Scores of cadets, faculty, service members, community leaders and visiting undergraduate students attended the 33rd annual National Character and Leadership...

Continue Reading Cadets deepen understanding of combat and crisis-tested character during annual symposium

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, staff, coaches and faculty attend the opening ceremony of the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 20, 2026. Reflecting the theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” the symposium featured a warfighting-focused lineup of speakers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
February 18, 2026

Silver Saturday training develops future warfighters at Prep School

Cadet candidates Shae Magley (left) and Mitchell Major rehearse their approach to a secured 360-degree perimeter during a Silver Saturday training exercise, at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Colorado, Jan. 31, 2026. The training exercise aimed to sharpen communication and tactical awareness among the cadet candidates. (U.S. Air Force Photo by C/C Madison Harte) By SrA Gracie Nowlan U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School cadet candidates participated in a series of hands-on events designed to develop tactical warfighting proficiency, leadership skills and decision-making under pressure during...

Continue Reading Silver Saturday training develops future warfighters at Prep School

Cadet candidates Shae Magley (left) and Mitchell Major rehearse their approach to a secured 360-degree perimeter during a Silver Saturday training exercise, at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Colorado, Jan. 31, 2026. The training exercise aimed to sharpen communication and tactical awareness among the cadet candidates. (U.S. Air Force Photo by C/C Madison Harte)
February 17, 2026

Class of 2026 celebrate 100s Night as they near graduation

Cadets 1st Class Raj Raghulan and Marguerite Niskanen celebrate during the Class of 2026 100s Night dining-in ceremony at Mitchell Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, Feb. 12, 2026. The ceremony recognizes cadets’ commitment and leadership development as they prepare to serve as commissioned officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SrA Gracie Nowlan U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Cadets from the Class of 2026 marked the final 100 days before graduation during a 100s Night dining-in ceremony at Mitchell Hall, Feb. 12. Held annually approximately 100 days before commissioning, the...

Continue Reading Class of 2026 celebrate 100s Night as they near graduation

Cadets 1st Class Raj Raghulan and Marguerite Niskanen celebrate during the Class of 2026 100s Night dining-in ceremony at Mitchell Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, Feb. 12, 2026. The ceremony recognizes cadets’ commitment and leadership development as they prepare to serve as commissioned officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
February 11, 2026

Nuclear Weapons and Strategy Minor builds strategic deterrence expertise

(From left to right) Cadets 1st Class Andrew Katz, Joseph Phetmixay, Maria Davison and Lilliana Turra pose in front of a government building in Helsinki, Finland, June 18, 2025. The cadets interviewed officials from Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about Finland’s internal posture and nuclear deterrence policy. (Photo courtesy of Cadet 1st Class Andrew Katz) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - As global deterrence dynamics continue to evolve, the Air Force is renewing its focus on strategic readiness. The Nuclear Weapons and Strategy minor at the U.S Air Force Academy...

Continue Reading Nuclear Weapons and Strategy Minor builds strategic deterrence expertise

(From left to right) Cadets 1st Class Andrew Katz, Joseph Phetmixay, Maria Davison and Lilliana Turra pose in front of a government building in Helsinki, Finland, June 18, 2025. The cadets interviewed officials from Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about Finland’s internal posture and nuclear deterrence policy. (Photo courtesy of Cadet 1st Class Andrew Katz)
February 4, 2026

Cadet DJs hone communication skills over the airwaves

Cadet 3rd Class Jude Sterling, KAFA disc jockey, records a radio show at Fairchild Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Jan. 20, 2026. Cadet DJs cover topics such as institutional events, parades, athletics and outstanding performers. (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. - Cadet clubs at the U.S. Air Force Academy play a crucial role in developing leadership competencies beyond the classroom. The broadcast club, for one, enables cadets to hone their communication skills over the airwaves at the Air Force’s...

Continue Reading Cadet DJs hone communication skills over the airwaves

Cadet 3rd Class Jude Sterling, KAFA disc jockey, records a radio show at Fairchild Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Jan. 20, 2026. Cadet DJs cover topics such as institutional events, parades, athletics and outstanding performers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn)
January 29, 2026

Academy to welcome new Dean of the Faculty

Col. James M. Valpiani announced as the new Dean of the Faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Department of the Air Force has named Col. James M. Valpiani as the institution’s next Dean of the Faculty. This selection reinforces the Academy’s standing as a nationally-recognized leader in higher education and its mission to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force as they fight and win the nation’s wars. Lt. Gen....

Continue Reading Academy to welcome new Dean of the Faculty

Col. James M. Valpiani
January 26, 2026

Quantum Technologies minor equips cadets for emerging technologies

Cadet 1st Class Emma Williams and Cadet 2nd Class Jacob Grayson align an optical track to maximize laser power at the Laser and Optics Research Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Jan. 13, 2026. The Quantum Technologies minor integrates physics, computer science and engineering to prepare cadets for future operational and technical leadership roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Quantum information science is a new field at the intersection of physics, computing and engineering, rapidly shaping the future of warfare, communication and...

Continue Reading Quantum Technologies minor equips cadets for emerging technologies

Cadet 1st Class Emma Williams and Cadet 2nd Class Jacob Grayson align an optical track to maximize laser power at the Laser and Optics Research Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Jan. 13, 2026. The Quantum Technologies minor integrates physics, computer science and engineering to prepare cadets for future operational and technical leadership roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
January 21, 2026

Battle of Britain plaque at USAFA honors heritage

U.S. Air Force Cadet 1st Class Jack Marsh, moderates the plaque ceremony commemorating the Battle of Britain in Polaris Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., on Jan. 16, 2026. The commemoration of the battle emphasized that Airmen, when called upon, must be ready to answer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Senior Airman Gracie Nowlan U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy unveiled a memorial plaque on Jan. 16, 2026, the tenth and final in a series of events across the nation honoring the 85th anniversary...

Continue Reading Battle of Britain plaque at USAFA honors heritage

U.S. Air Force Cadet 1st Class Jack Marsh, moderates the plaque ceremony commemorating the Battle of Britain in Polaris Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., on Jan. 16, 2026. The commemoration of the battle emphasized that Airmen, when called upon, must be ready to answer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
January 15, 2026

NCLS 2026: Courage to lead in the profession of arms

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, staff, coaches, faculty and command teams attend the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium in Arnold Hall Feb. 20, 2025. NCLS 2026, scheduled for Feb. 20-21, will focus on the theme of courage to lead in the profession of arms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The upcoming National Character and Leadership Symposium will feature a speaker lineup focused on the theme Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms. The 33rd symposium will also connect attendees with military...

Continue Reading NCLS 2026: Courage to lead in the profession of arms

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, staff, coaches, faculty and command teams attend the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium in Arnold Hall Feb. 20, 2025. NCLS 2026, scheduled for Feb. 20-21, will focus on the theme of courage to lead in the profession of arms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
January 14, 2026

Cadet 1st Class Skeen Earns Holaday Scholarship for Oxford Studies

Cadet 1st Class Alexandra Skeen, Class of 2026, will pursue two years of graduate studies at Oxford University, England, as the recipient of the Holaday Scholarship. By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Alexandra Skeen, Class of 2026, has been selected for the Holaday Scholarship, a fully-funded, two-year postgraduate program in the United Kingdom. “Cadet Skeen’s selection as a Holaday Scholar is a testament to her exceptional character and the world-class mentorship provided by our faculty, staff, coaches, and command teams,” said U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent...

Continue Reading Cadet 1st Class Skeen Earns Holaday Scholarship for Oxford Studies

Cadet 1st Class Alexandra Skeen, Class of 2026, will pursue two years of graduate studies at Oxford University, England, as the recipient of the Holaday Scholarship.
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