Getting a ‘space sense’: Academy adds space warfighting class for cadets

Story by Ray Bowden, photo by Trevor Cokely, June 6, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadets at the Air Force Academy will see a new minor added to their academic schedules: space warfighting. The Academy Board approved the addition of a mandatory space warfighting minor earlier this month, starting with the class of 2023. The board determines educational policies at the school under Air Force and Defense Department guidelines. “It’s exciting that the Academy has a leading role in educating Space Force officers and that we’re the first commissioning source to commission those officers,” said Academy board adviser...

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Update: AF Academy extends public health emergency, continues to reopen

Story by Ray Bowden, May 29, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy prolonged its public health emergency until Aug. 18. Originally slated to expire May 23, the base extended its public health emergency based on information from the Defense Department and State of Colorado, according to the school’s superintendent, Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria. “As we slowly open back up, we need to reanalyze our risk and make smart and safe decisions,” he said. The base first declared a public health emergency March 23 due to the COVID-19 threat, and elevated the Academy's health protection condition...

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United Launch Alliance launches 6th orbital test vehicle for U.S. Space Force; project contains satellite built by Air Force Academy cadets

United launch Alliance, May 18, 2020 CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Colo. -- A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501 rocket carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force lifted off from Cape Canaveral May 17. This marks the 84th successful launch of an Atlas V rocket, 139th launch for ULA, the second launch for the U.S. Space Force and sixth flight of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle or “OTV-6.” “The success of this mission resulted from collaboration with our customer while working through challenging, and ever changing, health and safety conditions,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of government...

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‘I-Day’ Update: Academy preps for arrival of class of 2024

By Ray Bowden, May 18, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The Air Force Academy’s superintendent announced May 7 that the school is preparing for the June arrival of its next class of cadets. “We’re establishing quarantine guidance, testing, and restriction of movement policies that mirror the guidelines and policies of the Defense Department and State of Colorado,” said Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, the Academy’s superintendent. Brig. Gen. Michele Edmondson, commandant of cadets, said despite the coronavirus outbreak posing more than a few challenges to the school and U.S. military at large, the Academy’s military and academic training continues....

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English Professor Lt Col David Buchanan wins McDermott Award for Research Excellence

Continue Reading English Professor Lt Col David Buchanan wins McDermott Award for Research Excellence

Air Force Academy satellite to launch aboard X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle

U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs, May 6, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A satellite built by Air Force Academy cadets will launch into space May 16 aboard the X-37B, Orbital Test Vehicle sponsored by the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and built by Boeing. This is the first time a satellite built and designed by cadets will catch a ride into space aboard the X-37B. (See the May 6 report from the Secretary of the Air Force about the launch here: https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2177702/next-x-37b-orbital-test-vehicle-scheduled-to-launch) Lt. Col. Dan Showalter, assistant astronautics professor at the Academy, said “as novel as this...

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Air Force Academy 3D prints mask extenders for Fort Carson Soldiers during COVID-19 crisis

Story and photos by Jennifer Spradlin, May 5, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Wearing a medical-grade mask might be required for healthcare workers these days as they work to stop the spread of the coronavirus, but it’s not easy. As recent viral photos show, these masks can leave red marks on the face, and the tight ear loops can cause irritation and pain. Fort Carson medical officials reached out to the Air Force Academy in early April to help them solve this problem, and faculty members used 3D printers at the school to quickly create more than 300...

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Public health emergency at Academy extended for 30 days, some restrictions lifted May 1

Story by Ray Bowden, April 27, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- After the base commander extended the public health emergency at the Air Force Academy until May 23, Col. Brian Hartless, 10 Air Base Wing Commander, also announced he intends to reopen parts of the base, a move in line with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ “safer at home” order. Polis announced his order to govern the phased reopening of some businesses in the state April 26. Hartless said barring any uptick in the number of coronavirus cases in Colorado Springs, El Paso County or the State, and pending further...

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Graduation Day: Air Force Academy celebrates Class of 2020

Story by Ray Bowden, photos by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong, April 18, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Graduation for the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2020 may have been different from what cadets originally expected, but the ceremony on the terrazzo April 18 contained all the trappings and formality you’d expect the school to deliver. Vice President Mike Pence changed his plans amid the global COVID-19 pandemic to give the commencement address, the Thunderbirds flew over, and 967 new officers closed-out their four years at the school by hurling their caps into the air at the end of...

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The power of a good teacher: Cadet asks influential teacher to commission him into U.S. Space Force

C1C Kishan Patel is commissioned in a virtual ceremony by Lt. Col. Karin McWhorter, his former high school teacher, and a member of the Academy's faculty. (Courtesy Photo) Story by Jennifer Spradlin, April 18, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Kishan Patel is set to commission into the U.S. Space Force as a cyber officer. Six years ago, he knew nothing about the military. It was his high school math teacher who opened his eyes. Lt. Col. Karin McWhorter taught at the Mississippi School for Math and Science while her husband was assigned to Columbus Air Force Base. McWhorter...

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