Colorado Springs, Colorado. (June 9, 2023): The U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 holds the highest percentage of women in Air Force Academy history, with females accounting for 29%. The record-breaking number comes amid the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which enabled women to serve in the military.

In this photo by Trevor Cokley, graduates toss their hats into the sky as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" roars overhead at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. Nine hundred twenty-one cadets crossed the stage to become the Air Force and Space Force’s newest second lieutenants.

The Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron flyover is a 60-year-old tradition where pilots use flawless timing to coincide with the graduates' hat toss as they are dismissed. After the commencement ceremony, Cadets and their guests attended receptions, award ceremonies, concerts, parades, and the day ended with air demonstrations.

Another American tradition is to invite promising students from our international allies to join the Air Force Academy. This year, there were 12 four-year exchange cadets among the 921 graduates. These international students hailed from Cambodia, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Romania, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Tunisia.

Support Our Troops wishes these new officer’s god speed in their service to our nation.