United States Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), is an institution for the undergraduate education of officers in the United States Air Force. The campus is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Upon completion of the four-year program, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are normally commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force. (A small number of graduates "cross-commission" into other services each year, and a few foreign cadets and graduates who are not medically qualified will receive a degree but will not be commissioned.)

History

Congress authorized the construction of the Academy 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 while construction was completed in Colorado Springs. The design of the Academy was awarded to the architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. 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. The first class graduated in 1959.

Related Topics:
April 1 - 1954 - July 11 - 1955 - Cadet - Lowry Air Force Base - Denver - Colorado Springs - Skidmore, Owings and Merrill - August 29 - 1958 - Wing - Accreditation - 1959

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