Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony
The graduation ceremony is held to honor each graduating cadet’s successful completion of the Academy’s program. It embodies both the academic ceremony of granting the Bachelor of Science degree as well as the awarding of a commission in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force.
The weather on Thursday was a bit cloudy and rainy. However, that did not stop the newly-commissioned officers from celebrating. The guest speaker at the graduation ceremony was President Joe Biden. President Biden gave the commencement speech for the Class of 2023 in Falcon Stadium, speaking to 921 graduates.
“We have the finest military in the history of the world,” Biden said. “That’s the God’s honest truth. Today is a day to celebrate.”
Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ’86, USAFA superintendent, delivered opening remarks, telling graduates, “We are here for one reason only, to honor the commitment, sacrifice and dedication of the Class of 2023.”
The class touts one Rhodes Scholar, one Marshall Scholar, two Truman Scholars and two Fulbright recipients.
One quarter of the class, 230 individuals, are headed immediately to earn advanced degrees. Nearly 400 are headed to pilot training.
USAFA Class of 2023 Facts:
- 921 new second lieutenants
- 651 men (71%)
- 270 women (29%)
- 31% minorities
- 12 international graduates from 11 countries including Cambodia, Jordan, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Tunisia.
- 419 rated officers
- 398 pilot
- 12 remotely piloted aircraft
- 5 combat systems
- 4 air battle manager
- Officers commissioning into five U.S. military branches
- 820 Air Force
- 93 Space Force
- 3 Army
- 3 Navy
- 2 Marines
At the close of the ceremony, graduates were dismissed and ceremoniously tossed their caps into the air. Cheers and celebration were quickly silenced by the roar of the legendary Thunderbirds flying overhead to honor the graduating class.
Congratulations Class of 2023 and welcome to the Long Blue Line!
To view photos of graduation, go to Classes > 2023 > Graduation Week. Photos begin on page 282. Set your sort order from Oldest to Newest. You can also click the link below to access photos: