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Academy News Quick news from around the Academy

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)
June 15, 2026

From enlisted Airman to Academy appointee, Outstanding Airman keeps moving forward

Then-Cadet Candidate Roman Bereguta stands in formation during the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 18, 2026. Bereguta, one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2025, completed the Prep School after earning his nomination through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Johnathan Suni) By MSgt Nicholas Filip U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - It had been a while since then-Airman 1st Class Roman Bereguta, a financial technician from Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, had...

Continue Reading From enlisted Airman to Academy appointee, Outstanding Airman keeps moving forward

Then-Cadet Candidate Roman Bereguta stands in formation during the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 18, 2026. Bereguta, one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2025, completed the Prep School after earning his nomination through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Johnathan Suni)
June 8, 2026

Academy Coach Taylor Lorbiecki Takes to the Skies to Better Prepare Future Aviators

Taylor Lorbiecki sits in the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon before taking off for an orientation flight over Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 27, 2026. The flight honored Lorbiecki, the Academy’s Academic Year 2025-2026 Civilian Instructor of the Year, whose work supports cadets across the Academy. Lorbiecki led the development of the Academy's Rated Physical Readiness capstone course to build the mental, physical, nutritional, and recovery capabilities required for rated assignments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tiana Williams) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Taylor Lorbiecki, a U.S. Air Force...

Continue Reading Academy Coach Taylor Lorbiecki Takes to the Skies to Better Prepare Future Aviators

Taylor Lorbiecki sits in the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon before taking off for an orientation flight over Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 27, 2026. The flight honored Lorbiecki, the Academy’s Academic Year 2025-2026 Civilian Instructor of the Year, whose work supports cadets across the Academy. Lorbiecki led the development of the Academy's Rated Physical Readiness capstone course to build the mental, physical, nutritional, and recovery capabilities required for rated assignments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tiana Williams)
June 8, 2026

Academy Welcomes New 306th FTG Commander

Col. Nancy E. Taylor and Col. Paul J. Brehm share a moment during the 306th Flying Training Group change of command ceremony at Davis Airfield, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 3, 2026. During the 306th Flying Training Group change of command, Brehm assumed responsibility for leading the Academy's cadet airmanship programs and flying training operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Col. Paul J. Brehm assumed command of the 306th Flying Training Group from Col. Nancy E. Taylor during a change of command ceremony at Davis...

Continue Reading Academy Welcomes New 306th FTG Commander

Col. Nancy E. Taylor and Col. Paul J. Brehm share a moment during the 306th Flying Training Group change of command ceremony at Davis Airfield, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 3, 2026. During the 306th Flying Training Group change of command, Brehm assumed responsibility for leading the Academy's cadet airmanship programs and flying training operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
June 3, 2026

Class of 2026 stats: Graduation by the numbers

U.S. Air Force Academy graduates toss their hats skyward at Falcon Stadium after commissioning as second lieutenants during the Academy's commencement ceremony May 28, 2026. Class of 2026 stats show that 809 graduates entered the Air Force and 93 entered the Space Force, beginning their service as the nation's newest military officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - More than 900 cadets graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy during a May 28 ceremony at Falcon Stadium. The Class of 2026 included 809 graduates...

Continue Reading Class of 2026 stats: Graduation by the numbers

U.S. Air Force Academy graduates toss their hats skyward at Falcon Stadium after commissioning as second lieutenants during the Academy's commencement ceremony May 28, 2026. Class of 2026 stats show that 809 graduates entered the Air Force and 93 entered the Space Force, beginning their service as the nation's newest military officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)
May 28, 2026

Vice President Vance congratulates Class of 2026

The U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduates toss their hats skyward as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds roar overhead at Falcon Stadium during the 2026 graduation ceremony at the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The Academy generates combat power by developing premier leaders prepared to lead and adapt in complex, contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) By SSgt Colin Hollowell U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Vice President JD Vance addressed more than 900 graduating cadets during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2026 commencement ceremony at Falcon...

Continue Reading Vice President Vance congratulates Class of 2026

Vice President of the United States JD Vance waits with Air Force and Space Force cadets at the beginning of the class of 2026 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium, U.S. Air Force Academy Colo., May 28, 2026. During the 2026 graduation ceremony, over 900 cadets crossed the stage to become second lieutenants, stepping forward as mission-ready warfighters prepared to lead on Day One. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
May 19, 2026

Vice President JD Vance named commencement speaker for U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduation

Official portrait of Vice President JD Vance. (photo courtesy of The White House) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - 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...

Continue Reading Vice President JD Vance named commencement speaker for U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduation

Official photo of Vice President JD Vance in landscape
May 18, 2026

Hosmer Visitor Center Grand Opening Showcases Cadet Experiences

Tim Jackson, Denver resident and first visitor, speaks with cadets from the Sabre Drill Team during the Hosmer Visitor Center grand opening at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 16, 2026. More than 1,600 people attended the grand opening and interacted with cadets, hands-on displays and activities designed to connect them with the Academy’s mission, heritage and cadet journey. (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. - More than 1,600 people attended the May 16, 2026, grand opening of the General...

Continue Reading Hosmer Visitor Center Grand Opening Showcases Cadet Experiences

Tim Jackson, Denver resident and first visitor, speaks with cadets from the Sabre Drill Team during the Hosmer Visitor Center grand opening at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 16, 2026. More than 1,600 people attended the grand opening and interacted with cadets, hands-on displays and activities designed to connect them with the Academy’s mission, heritage and cadet journey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn)
May 18, 2026

Academy opens Hosmer Visitor Center with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, from left, Colorado Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley Hosmer, Zita Hosmer, Jerry Bruni, Pam Bruni, Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, and Dan Schnepf cut the ribbon during the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon cutting, May 15, 2026, at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The ceremony marked the official opening of the 34,000-square-foot center designed to showcase the cadet experience and Academy heritage. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley) By Jeff Troth U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy celebrated the opening...

Continue Reading Academy opens Hosmer Visitor Center with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, from left, Colorado Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley Hosmer, Zita Hosmer, Jerry Bruni, Pam Bruni, Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, and Sam Schnepf cut the ribbon during the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon cutting, May 15, 2026, at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The ceremony marked the official opening of the 34,000-square-foot center designed to showcase the cadet experience and Academy heritage. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley)
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