May 26, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 Graduation is May 28 at Falcon Stadium. Visitors and residents should expect heavy traffic, road closures and event detours on May 27 and 28. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds arrive in Colorado Springs May 26 and will conduct a survey mission over the Academy from approximately 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. before landing at Peterson Space Force Base. On May 27, the Thunderbirds will conduct multiple practices over...
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May 20, 2026
The Class of 2026 U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation Ceremony is open to ticket-holding members of the local community for in-person attendance. Free tickets are available at these locations: The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development and Visitor Center, 166 Second St. in Monument. Tickets will be available at this location beginning at 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 20. Visit Colorado Springs, 515 S. Cascade Ave in Colorado Springs. Tickets will be available at this location beginning at 08:30 a.m., Thursday,...
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May 19, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is honored to announce that Vice President JD Vance will serve as the speaker for the Academy's commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Falcon Stadium. Vice President Vance was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025. He previously served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and is a Marine Corps veteran who served on active duty from 2003 to 2007. The Class of 2026 graduation marks the Academy's 68th commencement ceremony, where more...
Continue reading Vice President JD Vance named commencement speaker for U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduation
May 7, 2026
The President of the United States has nominated Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Commander, Third Air Force, to serve as the 23rd Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy and promotion to the rank of lieutenant general. If confirmed by the Senate, he will succeed Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, who has led the institution since August 2024. A 1995 Academy graduate and former Commandant of Cadets, Maj. Gen. Moga currently directs subordinate commands, facilitates coordination and operations between U.S....
Continue reading Maj. Gen. Moga nominated to lead U.S. Air Force Academy following Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind
April 13, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is conducting its annual Spring Culminating Exercise from April 15–18, 2026. The exercise validates and tests cadets’ essential warfighter training. During the exercise period, community members in areas on or near the Academy may notice: Increased activity from aircraft, including fixed-wing aircraft and small unmanned aircraft systems operating within designated, restricted airspace. Generator noise, smoke, and other field exercise sounds on the Academy. Increased vehicle traffic or road closures associated with exercise logistics. Approximately 3,600...
Continue reading Academy Conducts Large-Scale Cadet Field Training Exercise April 15–18
April 9, 2026
In preparation for a change of command ceremony next month, Col. Brandon J. Tellez, Class of ’01, has been assigned as the Academy’s 32nd Commandant of Cadets, succeeding Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks, who will retire this summer after a distinguished Air Force career. Col. Tellez is currently serving as Senior Executive Officer to the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, where he advises and assists the Vice Chief in the administration of the...
Continue reading Colonel Tellez to Succeed Brigadier General Marks as Commandant, Reinforcing Warfighter Focus at the Academy
March 1, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy has implemented updated installation access procedures, effective March 1, based on the current world situation. While there is no credible threat, these adjustments, in accordance with U.S. Northern Command directives for installations within the continental United States, enhance the safety and security of personnel, facilities, and the entire installation. Key adjustments impacting public access include the suspension of the Trusted Traveler program, increased wait times for passes and inspections, and the closure of the Santa...
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February 4, 2026
The 33rd Annual National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) is scheduled to take place Feb. 20 and 21 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. This year’s theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-tested Character,” honors the Academy’s legacy of producing courageous leaders who have defended the nation in combat. Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary, the symposium offers cadets, faculty, and visiting students a chance to engage with a variety of speakers and participate in group...
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January 29, 2026
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. Tony Bauernfeind, Academy Superintendent, welcomed Valpiani’s appointment. “Col. Valpiani’s experience in...
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January 14, 2026
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 Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “Her success shows what happens when a cadet’s immense potential is paired with hard work...
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