Catalogo Air Force

the vision
1947-1954
As aviation advanced after the Wright Brothers’ first flight, the nation’s military aviation service followed a constantly growing lineage from 1907 to 1947. Officials had discussed the establishment of an aeronautical academy much earlier, but it wasn’t until the Air Force became a separate service in 1947 under the National Security Act that official plans began. Stillthe Air Force Academy plan made little progress until 1949 when Secretary of Defense James Forrestal appointed a board of military and civilian educators. This board, headed by Dwight D. Eisenhower, then Columbia University President, and Robert L. Stearns, University of Colorado President, was tasked to recommend a general system of education for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Congress finallyauthorized creation of the Academy in 1954. Harold E. Talbot, thenSecretary of the Air Force, appointed a commission to assist him in selecting the permanent site. After traveling 21,000 miles and considering 580 proposed sites in 45 states, the commission recommended three locations. The main question of concern for the Colorado location was if the mountains or wind currents would affect flighttraining. Famous aviator Charles Lindbergh flew over the proposed site and declared it fit for flying. Secretary Talbot selected the site near Colorado Springs, and the state of Colorado contributed $1 million toward the purchase of the property.

united states air force academy

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building the future
1955-1965
In August 1958 the Academy was ready for occupancy. After completing Basic CadetTraining at Lowry, the Class of 1962 was bussed to the north gate and marched five miles up the hill to the newly constructed cadet area. Less than a year later the Academy received academic accreditation, and then the first class graduated and was commissioned June 3, 1959. One aspect that sets the Academy apart from the other military service academies is its airmanship programs, such as soaring(glider), powered flight and parachuting training. The airmanship programs endured many changes and implementations throughout the years. Now, more than 800 cadets complete the basic freefall parachuting course annually, and more than 550 cadets complete the basic soaring course annually. Soaring, powered flight and parachuting all have multiple upgrade courses and nationally recognizedcompetition teams. As the Cold War continued through the 1950s and into the 1960s, the nation’s reliance on air power as the primary agent of deterrence highlighted the need for more Air Force officers. When the Air Force Academy was approved, cadet strength was set at 2,529, equal to that of West Point. The Naval Academy, however, had been authorized 4,417 midshipmen for many years. On March 3, 1964,President Lyndon Johnson signed Public Law 88-276, which authorized both the Air Force Academy and West Point to expand to the Naval Academy’s strength. This increase required more facilities to accommodate the greater number of cadets.

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united states air force academy

usafa prep school
the future of usafa
The USAFA Preparatory School was officially established in 1961 about five milesfrom the cadet area. The Prep School was established for applicants who do not receive a direct appointment to the Academy. The Prep School is a 10-month program that prepares cadet candidates academically, athletically and militarily and is designed to develop skills and character necessary for success at the Academy.

united states air force academy

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setting the standard
1958-1965On July 11, 1955, the same year construction for the Air Force Academy began, the first class of 306 men swore in at a temporary site at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. Lt. Gen. Hubert R. Harmon, a key figure in the development of the Academy was recalled from retirement to become the first superintendent. The first class to enter the Academy chose the falcon as the mascot because it...