Thursday, May 22nd

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Wednesday, May 22nd– 

On this day, back in 1990  —  Air Force Special Operations Command is established at Hurlburt Field, Florida.  Major General Thomas Eggers, Class of ’64, was its first commander.   

…Also on this day, back in 2021  —  Virgin Galactic makes its first rocket-powered flight to the fringe of space in a manned shuttle.  Departing from New Mexico, the vehicle reached Mach 3 and an altitude of more than 55 miles above the Earth.  Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Latimer, Class of ’87, and Michael Masucci, Class of ’85, piloted a carrier plane that helped the craft lift off. 

…for recent photos of cadet activities, follow us on FLICKR @ AF_Academy!