United States Air Force Academy

Go to home page

Academy News Quick news from around the Academy

August 3, 2026

Former Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm passes away

Retired Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm, the 11th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Hamm helped shape generations of cadets during a pivotal period in Air Force history. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Retired Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm, the 11th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, passed away July 23. Funeral arrangements are pending. Hamm helped shape generations of cadets during a pivotal period in Air Force history. “Lt. Gen. Hamm’s legacy is one of distinguished service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our Air Force and our Academy,” said Lt....

Continue Reading Former Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm passes away

Retired Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm, the 11th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Hamm helped shape generations of cadets during a pivotal period in Air Force history.
July 30, 2026

USAFA Realigns Academic Enterprise to Forge “Day One” Warfighters

Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets majoring in electrical and computer engineering collaborate during a lab exercise in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 25, 2024. Under the Academy's academic realignment, the department will become part of the School of Integrated Engineering Sciences, strengthening collaboration across disciplines while maintaining academic excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy is evolving its academic structure to maintain its academic programs’ relentless focus on mission through three operational...

Continue Reading USAFA Realigns Academic Enterprise to Forge “Day One” Warfighters

Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets majoring in electrical and computer engineering collaborate during a lab exercise in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 25, 2024. Under the Academy's academic realignment, the department will become part of the School of Integrated Engineering Sciences, strengthening collaboration across disciplines while maintaining academic excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
July 22, 2026

Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training builds readiness

Basic cadets from the Class of 2030 participate in Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 16, 2026. The training prepares cadets to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in deployed environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - At the U.S. Air Force Academy, basic cadets learn expeditionary skills that prepare them to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in tactical environments. Conducted during Basic Cadet Training at Jacks Valley, Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training develops teamwork, readiness and defensive...

Continue Reading Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training builds readiness

Basic cadets from the Class of 2030 participate in Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 16, 2026. The training prepares cadets to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in deployed environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
July 17, 2026

Basic Cadet Training program prepares basics for Academy life

Basic cadets march out to Jacks Valley during Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 12, 2026. The Basic Cadet Training program enters its second phase at Jacks Valley, where basic cadets complete field exercises, land navigation and weapons training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) By Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Every summer, the U.S. Air Force Academy's Basic Cadet Training program introduces its newest basic cadets to military life. Over 38 days, Military Training Instructors and Cadet Cadre teach the customs, standards...

Continue Reading Basic Cadet Training program prepares basics for Academy life

Basic cadets march out to Jacks Valley during Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 12, 2026. The Basic Cadet Training program enters its second phase at Jacks Valley, where basic cadets complete field exercises, land navigation and weapons training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
July 7, 2026

The breakdown: Class of 2030 in-processing stats

Class of 2030 basic cadets salute during their swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 25, 2026. Class of 2030 in-processing stats show the class includes basic cadets from every state, the U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico, and international partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Tali Burress U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - More than 1,120 appointees arrived at the U.S. Air Force Academy on June 24 to begin Basic Cadet Training, taking the first step in their journey toward becoming Air Force and Space...

Continue Reading The breakdown: Class of 2030 in-processing stats

Class of 2030 basic cadets salute during their swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 25, 2026. Class of 2030 in-processing stats show the class includes basic cadets from every state, the U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico, and international partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
June 25, 2026

Water resources field operations develop engineering judgment

Cadet 2nd Class Abby Kuzio (left) and Cadet 2nd Class Mike McCarvill (right) collect field measurements during a CE 351 Civil Engineering Practices exercise at the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 16, 2026. As part of water resources field operations, cadets track the movement of water through a natural stream to develop the engineering judgment needed to evaluate hydraulic systems, assess environmental conditions and solve complex infrastructure challenges. (Courtesy photo by Lt. Col. Kathleen Smits) By Tali Burress U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Cadets in the U.S. Air Force Academy's CivEngr 351 Civil...

Continue Reading Water resources field operations develop engineering judgment

Cadet 2nd Class Abby Kuzio (left) and Cadet 2nd Class Mike McCarvill (right) collect field measurements during a CE 351 Civil Engineering Practices exercise at the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 16, 2026. As part of water resources field operations, cadets track the movement of water through a natural stream to develop the engineering judgment needed to evaluate hydraulic systems, assess environmental conditions and solve complex infrastructure challenges. (Courtesy photo by Lt. Col. Kathleen Smits)
June 24, 2026

Class of 2030 In-processing Day begins 47-month journey

Basic cadets walk across the Terrazzo on In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. The red baseball caps worn by members of the Class of 2030 designate their class color, and for many, it is their first time wearing an Air Force uniform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene) By Tali Burress U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - More than 1,120 Class of 2030 appointees took the first step in their journey toward becoming Air Force and Space Force officers during In-processing Day June 24, 2026, at the...

Continue Reading Class of 2030 In-processing Day begins 47-month journey

Basic cadets walk across the Terrazzo on In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. The red baseball caps worn by members of the Class of 2030 designate their class color, and for many, it is their first time wearing an Air Force uniform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)
June 23, 2026

Securing the Best and Brightest: A Banner Year for USAFA Admissions

Bryson Chestnut and Kalise Chestnut pose for a photo after receiving appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy during an event at the Academy, Colo., April 12, 2026. The high school students are among the next generation of cadets selected to join the Academy and begin the journey toward becoming Air Force and Space Force officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2d Lt Isabella Salas) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - With the Class of 2026 graduated and heading to their first assignments as newly commissioned officers, the U.S. Air Force Academy is rapidly...

Continue Reading Securing the Best and Brightest: A Banner Year for USAFA Admissions

Bryson Chestnut and Kalise Chestnut pose for a photo after receiving appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy during an event at the Academy, Colo., April 12, 2026. The high school students are among the next generation of cadets selected to join the Academy and begin the journey toward becoming Air Force and Space Force officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2d Lt Isabella Salas)
June 18, 2026

Special Warfare Orientation Course Prepares Future Officers

Cadets ruck march during a Special Warfare Orientation Course (SWOC) physical training session at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 12, 2026. SWOC is a two-week course that introduces Academy and ROTC cadets to the skill set of Air Force Special Warfare operators such as leadership, teamwork and communication under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The Special Warfare Orientation Course (SWOC) at the U.S. Air Force Academy immersed cadets in two weeks of physically and mentally demanding training June...

Continue Reading Special Warfare Orientation Course Prepares Future Officers

Cadets observe a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter during a Special Warfare Orientation Course (SWOC) full mission profile at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 15, 2026. During SWOC’s second week, Academy and ROTC cadets participated in full mission profiles to gain insight into the preparation and execution of missions within Air Force Special Warfare career fields. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
June 18, 2026

Academy updates Core Values Ramp to reflect role as the Department of the Air Force’s service academy

Basic Cadets from the Class of 2023 walk up the Core Values Ramp toward the Cadet Area during In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 27, 2019. The appointees will complete six weeks of Basic Cadet Training before joining the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Darcie L. Ibidapo) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - As a primary commissioning source for two military branches, the U.S. Air Force Academy is updating its installation to physically reflect support and representation for both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. The...

Continue Reading Academy updates Core Values Ramp to reflect role as the Department of the Air Force’s service academy

Basic Cadets from the Class of 2023 walk up the Core Values Ramp toward the Cadet Area during In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 27, 2019. The appointees will complete six weeks of Basic Cadet Training before joining the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Darcie L. Ibidapo)
SEE FULL NEWS LISTING