The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2022 will graduate in a full in-person occasion Wednesday at Falcon Stadium, however there are different occasions to spherical out the week for cadets, their households and pals in Colorado Springs.
Monday: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration crew, who carry out at every year’s commencement, will arrive in Colorado Springs and conduct a survey flight from roughly 11:15 a.m. by means of 11:30 a.m. earlier than touchdown at Peterson Space Force Base.
Tuesday: The Thunderbirds will follow in preparation for his or her full present that caps Wednesday’s commencement.
As a particular characteristic of the occasion this 12 months, 2022 Olympic gold medal-winning speedskater Erin Jackson will fly with the Thunderbirds on Tuesday over Colorado Springs. The mid-morning flight will originate from Peterson Space Force Base.
Following her flight, Jackson will go to with Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark and congratulate cadets from the Class of 2022 on changing into new officers within the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
As mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, street closures and site visitors detours can be in place throughout the Thunderbirds’ rehearsal. Closures embrace the Santa Fe Trail and roads beneath the present space, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, and 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
For public security, motorists are reminded to not cease alongside Interstate 25 or alongside any roads on the academy to look at any of the Thunderbirds’ performances.
Also on Tuesday for ticketed academy company, there can be a graduation parade and pre-parade demonstration occasions at Stillman Parade Field.
Pre-parade occasions embrace performances by honor guard, saber drill crew, falconry membership and the Wings of Blue Parachute Team.Â
Wednesday: Road closures and changes to site visitors patterns are scheduled in help of visitor arrival and departure for the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony. The ceremony is open to ticketed company solely.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would be the lead speaker for this 12 months’s graduation. The ceremony will conclude with the Thunderbirds’ 30-minute aerial program above Falcon Stadium. The efficiency is deliberate 12:30-1 p.m., simply after the cadets’ hat toss.
