March 30, 2026

From enlisted service to commission: a cadet’s path to leadership

Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Canfield poses for a photo at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in this 2018 image. Canfield, now a Cadet 1st Class, earned her appointment through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development (LEAD) program. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Canfield) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - For Cadet 1st Class Elizabeth Canfield, the path to becoming an Air Force officer did not begin with a lifelong plan to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Instead, it began with a television show, a close friend and a willingness to step into...

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March 30, 2026

Cadets focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Cadet 1st Class Lauren Mirande, left, and Cadet 2nd Class Abigail Anderson, right, learn about volcanic rock types in the Geospatial Science Laboratory, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., March 19, 2026. Mirande and Anderson are learning to interpret and analyze data for future operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy is a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics institution, frequently ranked among the nation’s top STEM programs. Cadets develop analytical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills to operate...

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April 1, 2026

Historic ceremony marks 306th FTG realignment to USAFA

Lt. Col. Jonathan B. Vaage, 98th Flying Training Squadron commander, swaps an Air Education and Training Command patch for a U.S. Air Force Academy one during a ceremony on Davis Airfield here April 1, 2026. The patching ceremony marked the historic realignment of the 306th Flying Training Squadron, of which the 98th FTS is a part, from AETC to the Academy headquarters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - A patching ceremony was held April 1 at Davis Airfield here to commemorate the historic realignment of the 306th...

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April 9, 2026

Colonel Tellez to Succeed Brigadier General Marks as Commandant, Reinforcing Warfighter Focus at the Academy

Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks, left, and Col. Brandon J. Tellez, right. Tellez has been assigned as the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 32nd commandant of cadets, succeeding Marks. (U.S. Air Force photos). U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - 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...

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September 29, 2025

POW Capt. Chuck Jackson laid to rest at Academy Cemetery

Capt. Charles A. "Chuck" Jackson's U.S. Air Force Academy graduation photo, Class of 1969. Jackson was laid to rest at the Academy cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 19, 2025. The date honored Jackson’s life and service and coincided with National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Photo courtesy of Marty Jackson) By Tech. Sgt. Sahara Fales U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Capt. Charles A. “Chuck” Jackson was laid to rest at the U.S. Air Force Academy cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 19, 2025. The date honored Jackson’s life and service and coincided with National...

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September 8, 2025

Former U.S. Air Force Academy Dean of Faculty Passes Away

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ervin J. Rokke, a distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1962 and former Dean of the Faculty at the Academy. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ervin J. Rokke, a distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1962 and former Dean of the Faculty at the Academy, died Sept. 5, 2025. Lt. Gen. Rokke’s wife, Pam, was with him at the time. “Lt. Gen. Rokke’s legacy is one of dedication to service, commitment to academic excellence, and contributions to developing leaders of character and quality. His influence...

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February 18, 2025

Prep School women’s basketball team completes perfect season

U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School women’s basketball team cadet candidates gather around coach Ke’Sha Blanton during a time out in a game to discuss an upcoming play during the 2024-25 season. The Huskies had an undefeated 2024-25 season (21-0). (Courtesy photo provided by Ke’Sha Blanton) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School women’s basketball team demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience and teamwork during their undefeated 2024-25 season (21-0). Their accomplishment reflects the Academy and Prep School’s commitment to leverage a variety of experiences such as...

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May 30, 2025

SECAF gives commencement speech to USAFA Class of 2025

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink speaks to graduates and audience members during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2025 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 29, 2025. During his first public speech as SECAF, Meink emphasized the importance of national security and the shift of focus to the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Tech. Sgt. Sahara Fales U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Approximately 900 cadets, along with their friends and loved ones, listened as Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink addressed...

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February 25, 2025

Cadets receive base assignments at Class of 2025 100s Night

Cadets 1st Class Sam Akolo, left, Micah Trusty, center, and Michael Lee display their base assignments during the Class of 2025 100s Night Dining-in ceremony at Mitchell Hall, Feb. 13, 2025. This formal dinner marks 100 days remaining before commissioning and graduation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Class of 2025 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets learned their base assignments during the 100s Night Dining-in ceremony in Mitchell Hall Feb. 13. The event, held about 100 days before graduation, marks a key milestone for...

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February 25, 2025

Cadets develop airmindedness in soaring program

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Ruth Anand prepares for her flight in her TG-16A sailplane at Davis Airfield, July 30, 2024. In the Academy’s soaring program, cadets develop critical skills such as communication, leadership, decision-making and situational awareness through hands-on glider experience. (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 U.S. Air Force Academy Soaring Program introduces cadets to airmanship principles, airmindedness and the fundamentals of flight. Through hands-on glider experience in the TG-16A sailplane, cadets develop critical skills such as communication, leadership,...

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