Vice president, Air Force secretary congratulate class of 2026

Vice President JD Vance urged newly commissioned officers from the U.S. Air Force Academy to prepare for an era of rapid technological change as he addressed the Class of 2026 during commencement on May 28 at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs. More than 900 cadets graduated, joining the Air Force and Space Force as second lieutenants.

“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,” Vance said. “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.”

Families and supporters filled the stadium alongside Academy faculty and staff, local officials, community partners, and senior Department of the Air Force leaders, including the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the Chief of Space Operations.

The graduating class entered the Academy in summer 2022 and completed a demanding course of study and training intended to develop mental, physical, and leadership skills. The program blends military instruction, nationally recognized academics, competitive athletics, and character education to prepare officers for complex, contested environments.

“Like it or not, whether you feel ready or not, your career will be marked by rapid change,” Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said. “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.”

In all, 931 cadets graduated: 805 entered the U.S. Air Force and 94 joined the U.S. Space Force. The 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.”

After receiving diplomas, the graduates took the oath of office and will soon head to specialized training, flight schools, and operational assignments around the world. The Thunderbirds capped the ceremony with a flyover synced to the traditional hat toss.

The event was open to the public and livestreamed globally for families and viewers unable to attend. Officials highlighted the Academy’s role since 1959 in producing officers who have served in conflicts from Vietnam and the Gulf War to the Global War on Terrorism.

This year’s graduation also aligned with the United States’ 250th anniversary, a backdrop Academy leaders used to emphasize continued integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber operations into military education to prepare officers for future challenges.