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 16, 2024

The powered flight journey to become aviators

Cadet 3rd Class Emilie Tedeschi completes her pre-flight check in the T-53 Kadet II on the Davis Airfield flightline at the U.S. Air Force Academy, July 30, 2024. The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Powered Flight Program introduces cadets to motorized aircraft and provides a foundation of flight mechanics and operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – At the U.S. Air Force Academy, cadets develop the skills they will need to become winning warfighters and exceptional aviators. Through the Powered Flight Program, cadets transform into...

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December 12, 2024

A visionary educator: Shaping cadets and inspiring excellence

Lt. Col. Kevin Treat, U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Mathematical Sciences associate professor and senior military faculty member, poses for a photo at the Academy, Colo., Dec. 2, 2024. Treat’s influence goes beyond simply teaching math; he bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical applications, ensuring cadets are prepared for leadership roles while fostering a collaborative and innovative academic environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner). By Mackenzie Mendez U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Lt. Col. Kevin Treat is a key figure in the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department...

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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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November 19, 2024

Meteorology cadet research: sea ice forecasting

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 2nd Class Beatrice Shea compares machine-learning models in her sea ice forecasting research in the Meteorology Laboratory Nov. 12, 2024. Shea and Meteorology faculty developed a machine-learning model that could aid in accurate ice forecasts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadet 2nd Class Beatrice Shea’s fascination with the Arctic began long before she arrived at the U.S. Air Force Academy in the fall of 2022. Once Shea started her Meteorology core courses, she seized the opportunity to transform...

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November 13, 2024

Understanding the space domain: the Space Warfighting minor

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 3rd Class Rebecca Kinstle and Cadet 1st Class Ethan Pyle work on a project in the Department of Astronautics Lab Oct. 3, 2024. Both cadets are majoring in Astronautics and minoring in Space Warfighting. The Space Warfighting minor provides cadets with a deep understanding of space operations, strategies and technologies. (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 defense of space has shifted from theoretical discussions to real-world planning and strategy. The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Space Warfighting minor equips cadets...

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November 12, 2024

Forging leaders for the space domain

Cadet 1st Class Nolan Turner and ROTC Cadet 2nd Class Kylyn Smith prepare for a test of a satellite reaction wheel in the Department of Astronautical Engineering Laboratory Oct. 3, 2024. The test measures the wheel’s “wobble” throughout high-speed rotations for a better understanding of an on-orbit attitude control mechanism. Cadets develop the tools needed to succeed as Guardians in the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – From directly acting as space operators to learning about orbital maneuvering in the classroom,...

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November 12, 2024

Astronautics instructor empowers future officers through experience, mentorship

Lt. Col. Heather Greatting-Dufaud, U.S. Air Force Academy Astronautical Engineering instructor, poses for a photo at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Oct. 31, 2024. Her experience with satellite systems development has made her one of the leading experts in the Department of Astronautics, which has led to a major overhaul of the Satellite Communications course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Mackenzie Mendez U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – At the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lt. Col. Heather Greatting-Dufaud combines her operational experience with a deep commitment to mentorship, striving to...

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November 6, 2024

Cadets tackle German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge events

Cadet 1st Class Leo Sterns Rentas, right, observes an Air National Guard Airman accomplish nuclear, biological and chemical training at the U.S. Air Force Academy Oct. 25, 2024. Cadets joined Air National Guard Airmen and U.S. Soldiers from Fort Carson, Colorado, in the German Armed Forces Proficiency Program events Oct. 25 and 28-29. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadets assisted Air National Guard Airmen and U.S. Army Soldiers during German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge events held at the U.S. Air Force Academy and...

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