21-05-2025
U.S. Air Force Academy announces commencement speaker for graduation
(U.S AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) announced its commencement speaker for the Academy's Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, May 29.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink has been announced as the commencement speaker for the graduation that will occur at Falcon Stadium. Meink became the 27th Secretary of the Air Force on May 16, 2025. He is the Air Force's highest-ranking civilian leader, and advisor to the Secretary of Defense for air and space operations.
2025 U.S. Air Force Academy graduation: What you need to know
Meink began his journey in the Air Force in 1988, and served as a KC-135, a Tanker Navigator and Instructor completing over 100 sorties in support of multiple combat and humanitarian operations. Then, as a lead test engineer for ballistic missile test vehicles for the Missile Defense Agency.
Meink also led communication teams within the Air Force and National Reconnaissance Office as an Air Force civilian. His last assignment prior to being sworn as the Secretary of the Air Force was as the NRO's Principal Deputy Director.
Graduation will take place on Thursday. The ceremony is open to ticket-holding members of the public for in-person attendance. USAFA's graduation will also be livestreamed online.
Gates will open at 6 a.m., and the ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
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