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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)
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 Stadium here May 28, 2026, recognizing the graduates’ readiness to lead as the nation’s newest Air Force and Space Force officers.

The ceremony marked the culmination of the cadets’ journey at the Academy—an experience designed to forge warfighters to win, inspire leaders of character and quality, and motivate critical thinkers to adapt.

Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The Academy’s mission is to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead the Air Force and Space Force to fight and win the Nation’s wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The Academy’s mission is to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead the Air Force and Space Force to fight and win the Nation’s wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

Commencement speaker Vice President JD Vance

For decades, America’s senior national leaders have addressed graduating service academy classes, underscoring the significance of commissioning the nation’s future military officers.

During his address, the vice president emphasized the unprecedented speed at which global conflict is changing, calling on the graduates to meet these new challenges head-on.

“We ask you to apply that same adaptability, that same innovation that you learned at this academy to an entirely new era of warfare, one shaped by autonomous systems, AI and cyber operations, technologies evolving far faster than military institutions have historically been accustomed to,” said Vice President Vance. “You joined that Long Blue Line at a moment when your nation needs your skill, your nation needs your adaptability, your nation needs your discipline, your sense of honor, and your love of your fellow Americans.”

Vance addressed a packed stadium of graduates’ family members and supporters, Academy faculty and staff, local leaders and community partners, and Department of the Air Force senior leaders, including the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the Chief of Space Operations.

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)
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)

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink provides remarks during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2026 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. As the Department of the Air Force modernizes to meet emerging threats, Meink relies on these newest lieutenants to bring the warrior ethos and innovative mindset necessary to outpace adversaries and defend the homeland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink provides remarks during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2026 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. As the Department of the Air Force modernizes to meet emerging threats, Meink relies on these newest lieutenants to bring the warrior ethos and innovative mindset necessary to outpace adversaries and defend the homeland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

Ready to lead on Day One

Arriving at the Academy in the summer of 2022, the class navigated a demanding environment designed to test their mental, physical, and leadership capabilities, consistently demonstrating the adaptability expected of future officers.

The Academy’s 47-month development program combines rigorous military training, nationally recognized academics, and highly competitive athletics with character development, all designed to prepare cadets to lead and win in complex and contested environments.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink told graduates those experiences prepared them to lead through a highly dynamic era of global security as the newest officers in the Air Force and Space Force.

“Like it or not, whether you feel ready or not, your career will be marked by rapid change,” said Secretary Meink. “We are modernizing nearly every mission area in our Department… It will be up to you young men and women with fresh ideas and unmatched technical education. You will be expected to navigate through this changing world.”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink salutes a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The ceremony marked the culmination of the cadets’ 47-month journey, preparing them to lead in complex and contested environments and outpace adversaries in defense of the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind shakes hands with a newly commissioned officer during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2026 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. Wilsbach celebrated the culmination of the cadets' 47-month journey, emphasizing the resilient warrior ethos required of these new leaders to outpace adversaries and deliver unmatched global airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind shakes hands with a newly commissioned officer during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2026 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. Wilsbach celebrated the culmination of the cadets’ 47-month journey, emphasizing the resilient warrior ethos required of these new leaders to outpace adversaries and deliver unmatched global airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

From cadets to commissioned officers

The Class of 2026 consists of 931 graduates. Of those, 805 were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force, and 94 were commissioned into the U.S. Space Force. The graduating class also included 13 international cadets.

“I’m extremely proud of how you tackled the critical changes we have made at the Academy during your journey,” said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “This last year, in particular, we witnessed you step into your leadership roles as firsties and you delivered excellence. You embraced warrior ethos, upheld our standards, tackled warfighter training, hit the books hard, and left it all on the athletic fields. Today, you are our warrior-leaders ready to lead in the Air Force and Space Force.”

Following the presentation of diplomas, the graduates took the oath of office, officially transitioning from cadets to military officers. The newly commissioned second lieutenants will soon report to their respective specialized training, flight schools, and operational units around the globe.

Timed with the graduates’ traditional hat toss, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, flew over Falcon Stadium in a demonstration of the precision, discipline, and operational excellence the graduates now join as newly commissioned officers.

Cadets salute during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. Forged through 47 months of military training, academics, athletics and character development, the graduates are prepared to lead in complex and contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Cadets salute during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. Forged through 47 months of military training, academics, athletics and character development, the graduates are prepared to lead in complex and contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Continuing a tradition of service

The ceremony was open to the public and livestreamed worldwide, allowing families, friends, and members of the public to witness the cadets take the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Funded by and accountable to the American people, every Academy graduation demonstrates a return on their investment: delivering mission-ready warfighters for the nation. Since the institution’s first graduating class in 1959, graduates have served in conflicts and contingency operations around the world, from Vietnam and the Gulf War to the Global War on Terrorism.

Coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary, this year’s graduation ceremony reflected the Academy’s longstanding connection to American service, military leadership, and national heritage. To secure the nation’s freedom for the next 250 years, the Air Force Academy leads military education by integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cyber operations to prepare graduates for the complexities of the future fight.

Photos from the graduation ceremony are available on Flickr, and a recording of the ceremony is available on YouTube.

Cadets present the class gift to Vice President of the United States JD Vance during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The Class of 2026 continued the tradition of presenting a ceremonial class gift to their commencement speaker, symbolizing the shared commitment to national defense between the nation's leadership and its newest warfighters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
Cadets present the class gift to Vice President of the United States JD Vance during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The Class of 2026 continued the tradition of presenting a ceremonial class gift to their commencement speaker, symbolizing the shared commitment to national defense between the nation’s leadership and its newest warfighters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

Vice President of the United States JD Vance shakes hands with a graduate during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium on the Academy, Colo., May 28, 2026. The Academy’s mission is to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead the Air Force and Space Force to fight and win the Nation’s wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)