December 9, 2025

Academy cadet awarded post graduate Marshall Scholarship

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, a member of the Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious honor that provides full funding for two years of postgraduate study in the United Kingdom. By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship. Upon his graduation this May, Tang will commission into the U.S. Space Force, making him the Academy’s first Space Force Marshall Scholar. “I want to congratulate...

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December 9, 2025

Cadets use new technology to monitor the geospace environment

Cadet 2nd Class Anna Harden works with an event-based sensor, Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Sept. 16, 2025. The sensor is used to detect nuclear detonations when monitoring the geospace environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - In the Department of Physics and Meteorology at the U.S. Air Force Academy, cadets gain experience building payloads. In the department’s Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center (SPARC), their latest project in the International Space Station is the Falcon Optical Defense...

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January 7, 2026

AF Academy Chapel restoration ensures long-term service to Cadet readiness

U.S. Air Force Academy -- Cadets sit on the terrazzo with a view of the Cadet Chapel during the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 18, 2020. Nine-hundred-sixty-seven cadets crossed the stage to become the Air Force/Space Force’s newest second lieutenants. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trang Le) AFIMSC Public Affairs Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of regular updates on the Cadet Chapel restoration project. Future updates will highlight key milestones and progress toward returning this historic landmark to cadets, families and visitors. U.S. AIR...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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August 20, 2025

A comprehensive approach to developing a cyber mindset

Cadet 2nd Class Caitlyn Budd and Cadet 1st Class Jaden Liu look at a control panel in the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo, Aug. 7, 2025. The panel is part of the Cross-domain Command and Control Lab where cadets develop a cyber mindset by learning how a user interface acts as a bridge to control a network's functionality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Sonie Rathbun U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy integrates cyber concepts into its curriculum to ensure every cadet develops...

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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...

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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 by Dr. Shane Smith) 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 helps cadets develop...

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