United States Air Force Academy

Air Force Academy cadets celebrate after graduation in 2003

The United States Air Force Academy, the military academy of the United States Air Force, is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was founded on April 1, 1954. On July 11, 1955, the first class of 306 cadets was sworn in at a temporary site at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver. Lieutenant General Hubert R. Harmon, a key figure in the development of the Academy, was appointed the first superintendent. On August 29, 1958, a wing of 1,145 cadets moved to the present site, and less than a year later the Academy received accreditation. On March 3, 1964, the authorized strength of the Cadet Wing was increased to 4,417, and was later reduced to its present number of 4,000.

Women at the Academy

President Gerald R. Ford signed legislation October 7, 1975, permitting women to enter the military academies. Women entered the Air Force Academy for the first time on June 28, 1976. The first class with women graduated in May 1980.

Sports at the Academy

The Air Force Academy competes in the NCAA's Division I-A. Its primary conference is the Mountain West Conference; its gymnastics (men and women) and men's soccer teams compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and its hockey team competes in College Hockey America. The sports teams are called the Falcons.

Air Force plays Colorado State in football every year for the Ram-Falcon Trophy, a travelling award that alternates between the schools. It also has traditional service academy rivalries with Navy and Army.

External links

Official website (http://www.usafa.af.mil)
- Official athletics site (http://www.airforcesports.com)
- Official band site (http://www.usafacademyband.com/)

Source

Bruegmann, Robert. Modernism at Mid-Century: The Architecture of the United States Air Force Academy. University of Chicago Press: 1995. ISBN 0226076938.
Fagan, George V. Air Force Academy: An Illustrated History. Johnson Books: 1988. ISBN 1555660320.
Lui, 'Elizabeth Gill. Spirit and Flight: A Photographic Salute to the United States Air Force Academy. 1996. ISBN 0965258505.

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