Secretary of the Air Force to Speak at 2025 Academy Graduation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 is set for Thursday, May 29, at 9 a.m. This year, the event will feature Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink as the main speaker.

Meink, confirmed as Secretary of the Air Force on May 16, replaces Frank Kendall in the role. His past experience includes service as a KC-135 Tanker navigator, and he has participated in over 100 sorties supporting various combat and humanitarian operations.

The academy traditionally has a speaker rotation involving the president, vice president, secretary of defense, and secretary of the Air Force. Vice President Kamala Harris was the commencement speaker last year.

For this year’s ceremony, 3,000 free tickets will be available, starting Monday at 9 a.m. Each adult can obtain a maximum of four tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets must be picked up at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce or the Colorado Springs Visitor Information Center.

Gates to Falcon Stadium will open at 6 a.m. Graduates and attendees without a Department of Defense ID card will need to register for base access. Due to safety and security concerns, stadium entry will not be permitted after the event begins.

The ceremony will be livestreamed online for those unable to attend. Interested individuals can visit KKTV.com for more information about permitted items and other details.