CHRONOLOGY

Founding and Formation

• April 1, 1954: Congress authorizes the creation of the United States Air Force Academy.

• June 24, 1954: Colorado Springs is selected as the permanent site.

• July 11, 1955: 306 civilians arrive at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver and are sworn in as the first cadets of the Academy.

• Summer 1955: The Academy is formally dedicated; Lt. Gen. Hubert R. Harmon serves as first Superintendent.

• 1955–1958: Cadets train and study at Lowry AFB while permanent facilities are constructed.

• August 29, 1958: The Cadet Wing moves to the new campus in Colorado Springs.

 

Academic and Military Milestones

• 1955–1959: Cadets undergo a rigorous curriculum blending science, humanities, and military studies.

• 1956: The Class of 1959 selects the Falcon as the Academy mascot.

• 1957: Cadets participate in President Eisenhower’s second inaugural parade.

• 1958: The Honor Code is formally adopted—created by members of the Class of 1959.

• June 3, 1959: 207 cadets graduate; 206 are commissioned, including one into the Marine Corps.

• May 30, 1959: The Thunderbirds perform over the Academy during graduation week.

 

Legacy of Leadership and Service

• 1959–1960: 90% of graduates enter pilot training; others serve as navigators and in specialized roles.

• 1962: Class members stand alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

• 1965: First graduates selected for the military space program; Karol Bobko later becomes the first USAFA graduate in space.

• 1966–1973: Class members fly combat missions in Vietnam, earning hundreds of decorations.

• 1994: Final members of the Class of 1959 retire from active duty, having served in every major command and conflict since graduation.

 

Milestone Firsts of the Forever First Class

• First to adopt the Cadet Honor Code

• First to select the Falcon mascot

• First to lead the Cadet Wing

• First USAFA graduate to fly with the Thunderbirds: Henry “Hank” Canterbury

• First USAFA graduate to fly in space: Karol Bobko

• First USAFA graduate to become a four-star general: Hansford T. Johnson

• First USAFA graduate to serve as Superintendent: Bradley Hosmer

• First USAFA graduate to serve as Commandant of Cadets: Robert Beckel

• First USAFA graduate to shoot down a MiG in combat: Robert E. Blake

• First recipient of the Orville Wright Achievement Award: Robert Beckel

• First USAFA graduate inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame: Brock Strom