U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2021 graduates toss their service caps as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly overhead during the Academy’s graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 26, 2021. With the roar of jets, 921 new Air Force officers will celebrate their graduation Thursday, June 1, 2023, amid a sea of blue and gold traditions. (Trevor Cokley/U.S. Air Force)
(Tribune News Service) — With the roar of jets, 921 new Air Force officers will celebrate their graduation Thursday amid a sea of blue and gold traditions.
The Air Force Academy's pomp and circumstance will feature President Joe Biden as commencement speaker and a performance by the Thunderbirds, the F-16 aerial demonstration team.
The accomplished class of 2023 represents the highest percentage of women and minority graduates the school has seen including 29% female and 30% minority graduates, said Lt. Col. Robert Umholtz, the graduation lead for the school.
In addition, the class saw a high retention rate, persevering through the COVID-19 precautions when they were sent home at the end of their first year of classes. The class returned in person in the fall of 2020.
More than 700 people will work on graduation to help the event come together and make moments memorable Thursday during the commencement that culminates with the classic hat toss, Umholtz said.
"An entire four years is wrapped up in a moment," he said of the tradition.
For residents eager to share in celebration there are numerous ways to take part. Here are some tips:
Tickets
The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce was offering the tickets through the end of day Wednesday. Adults can pick up four tickets each.
Base access and traffic impacts
The base gates will open at 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Falcon Stadium gates open at 6:30 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Expect long lines and traffic delays at the stadium and on Interstate 25 prior to and following the event. No one will be allowed to enter the stadium once the ceremony begins.
In addition, Interstate 25 will be closed at times during Biden's visit, but exact times are unknown.
Base security
The academy prohibits certain items during graduation, including all weapons, backpacks and artificial noisemakers. A complete list is available on the school's website.
Thunderbirds Air Show
Colorado Springs residents can see the Thunderbirds roar over the city Wednesday (practice) and Thursday, triggering road closures.
The 30-minute graduation performance will take place from 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m. Thursday over Falcon Stadium, in northern Colorado Springs.
(c)2023 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Visit at www.gazette.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
