I-Day | Welcome Class of 2028

The U.S. Air Force Academy was bustling with soon-to-be basic cadets and their families this week.

On June 25, the grounds between Doolittle Hall and Falcon Club overflowed with proud families during the annual Ice Cream Social hosted by the Association and Foundation. Attendees learned more about the Academy, explored parent and cadet resources, played lawn games and enjoyed ice cream on a hot day. Appointees received their squadron assignments and mingled with classmates.

Then, on June 26, the new arrivals began their journeys to basic cadets. More than 1,100 young people representing the Class of 2028, including 15 international cadets, said goodbye to their families before climbing the steps at the Holaday Athletic Center. USAFA athletic staff lined the staircase, cheering for the new cadets and offering fist bumps. Once inside, they underwent medical screening and were issued their copies of Contrails.

After taking the oath, they boarded buses to the cadet area, where he cadre of upperclassmen provided “encouragement” as they climbed the Core Values Ramp, its wall serving as a reminder to the Class of 2028 and all the classes that came before them: Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do.

Once on the Terrazzo, the basics got their haircuts, uniforms, dorm assignments and, hopefully, a good night’s rest.

[Sundog]

I can hear it now…at the top of the core values ramp… “How’s that ice cream tasting now basic ….?” 😂 God speed C/O 28

[conte]

At the 1:39 mark, unfortunately the new Vice Supt got both the wrong year and base where the very first soon-to-be cadets (in the Class of 1959) showed up. The year was 1955 (not 1954) and the base was Lowry AFB (not Loring AFB).

[Bladers_Requiem]

Well hopefully they accept me into the class of 2029 because that would be such an amazing and challenging experience in one.

[ManiiacMadness]

Going to sign up and pray I get accepted into, my dream is to be a fighter jet pilot

[FighterJetOfDoom]

I hope to be there for the class of 2031 to major in Aeronautical Engineering and a minor in Airpower studies in order to become a tanker pilot. I have many Airmen in my family, and if I go here, I’ll be the first officer in my family!

[lefthand]

YES!! One of the few Mississippians I've seen reported anywhere almost!

[lewcipher]

My God. They give these kids ice cream? Air Force represent.

[OscarA.BenitesNavarro]

Instead of filling a new I Form act.
I can get here easily.

[OscarA.BenitesNavarro]

That the only way i picked to be a better person and smarter ❤❤
Im 23 and Honduras, im imigrant and a very good calm person.

[totemtv]

Didn’t see that many chairs. Very impressed.

[OscarA.BenitesNavarro]

Im hondurean and i live in Honduras, where justice doesnt really work good here, but in US does.

[OscarA.BenitesNavarro]

Im from San Pedro Sula Honduras, i am hondurean i grew up in Texas. Im From the North America.

[isingizweraymond]

Can a green card holder join the Air Force and become a pilot?

[g.h.]

These young people seem bright and positive but I'm concerned not one stated they want to be a war fighter. Is the warrior ethos and focus gone from this premier military leader school? It can not be advertised as another top university. It is a military academy! Fly fight and win! or live in Tyranny.

[djwhite]

Good to see the security forces director going to better places, Maj Gen Sherman was the overall commander of all my fellow defenders. Defensor Fortis Sir 🫡