United States Air Force Academy

🪂 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.

The 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 continue to sharpen their skills through training jumps, building the confidence and expertise required to represent in the air and on the ground.

From the training field to the cockpit.

As 's Civilian Instructor of the Year, Coach Taylor Lorbiecki earned the opportunity to fly with the Air Force Thunderbirds in an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The experience provided firsthand insight into the physical and cognitive demands of military aviation, helping inform her work preparing future United States Air Force and United States Space Force officers.

Highlights of her impact:
📚 Led development of the Academy's Rated Physical Readiness capstone course
🦴 Helped drive a 76.5% reduction in bone stress injuries between 2022 and 2024
📈 Supported 10–15% improvements in Physical Fitness Test scores

Learn more about how Coach Lorbiecki's work helps to prepare cadets for the demands of operational service from Day One: https://www.usafa.edu/physical-readiness

A new chapter in cadet airmanship. ✈️

Col. Paul J. Brehm assumed command of the 306th Flying Training Group from Col. Nancy E. Taylor during a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Under Taylor's leadership, the 306th FTG returned to oversight for the first time since 2004, strengthening the integration of airmanship training and cadet development. Brehm now takes the helm as the group continues its mission to educate, train and inspire future United States Air Force and United States Space Force leaders.

The 306th FTG:
• Provides soaring, powered flight and jump training for more than 4,000 cadets
• Operates the third-busiest airfield in the U.S. Air Force
• Executes more than 27,000 sorties and 22,000 jumps annually
• Develops air-minded leaders for the Air Force and Space Force

Read more: https://www.usafa.edu/306-coc

More than 900 cadets graduated as part of , joining the Long Blue Line as the newest officers.

𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
🫡 805 commissioned into the United States Air Force and 94 into the United States Space Force
✈️ 480 rated positions including 455 headed to undergraduate pilot training
🌍 13 international cadets graduated alongside their American classmates

The Class of 2026 also included 42 prior-enlisted cadets, 95 legacy cadets and 137 US Air Force Academy Preparatory School (Official) graduates.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: https://www.usafa.edu/2026-breakdown

🛰️ 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 #𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗔𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Cadets selected for the United States Space Force received their patches, marking the next step in their journey to service. 🚀

A current Guardian presents a cadet with a patch that has already seen active service. The exchange symbolizes mentorship and reflects one of the Space Force's core values: Connection. By linking the newest Guardians to those currently serving, the tradition strengthens the bonds that unite the force across generations.

As they prepare to commission, these future officers stand ready to lead in an increasingly contested and competitive operational environment.

#𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗔𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟰𝟳-𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲. 🎓

From In-processing Day to walking across the graduation stage, the Class of 2026 has grown as warfighters, critical thinkers and leaders.

They met every challenge with resilience, discipline and determination. They held each other accountable and earned their place in the .

Congratulations to the newest Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.

See more graduation photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/af_academy/albums/7217772

Read about commencement:
https://www.usafa.edu/graduation-2026