Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory

Cadet 2nd Class Nicholas Arellano of Cadet Squadron 02 uses a circular saw during the Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory June 4. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Raymond McCoy)

Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory

Cadets put together a support beam for one of two Hogan homes for the Navajo community in Gallup, N.M. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Liz Copan)

Wildlife

A bear cub climbs a tree on the Academy grounds last year. The treed-rugged area is a natural habitat for black bears. Black is a species, not a color. In Colorado many black bears are blonde, cinnamon or brown. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Mike Kaplan)

Wildlife

The Academy nurtures abundant populations of both white-tailed and mule deer. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Joel Strayer)

Seniors' star study offers down-to-Earth lessons

Cadets 1st Class Samantha Latch and Gordon Spahr discuss observation data on Wasp-12b, an extra-solar planet more than 870 light-years away in the constellation Auriga, during research at the Air Force Academy April 12, 2012. Techniques used to gather data on Wasp-12b can also be applied to satellites orbiting the Earth, giving the Air Force greater space situational awareness. Latch will attend pilot training after graduation, while Spahr will study for a master's degree at the Air Force Institute of Technology. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sarah Chambers)

Rugby on the radar

Theresa Cameron battles an opposing jumper for the ball off a lineout during the Air Force-Navy women's rugby match Oct. 1, 2011. Cameron plays second row for the Air Force team. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Class of 2012 Graduation

Cadet 1st Class James Colvin waves to his family after receiving his diploma during the Air Force Academy Class of 2012 graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23, 2012. Colvin is the son of retired Col. Gail Colvin, one of the first women to graduate from the Academy in 1980. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Class of 2012 Graduation

President Barack Obama congratulates Cadet 1st Class Perri Leake as she crosses the stage during the Air Force Academy Class of 2012 graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23, 2012. Leake is one of a record 237 women in the Air Force Academy's graduating class. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Obama to Class of 2012: Your spirit is essence of America

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform an air show over Falcon Stadium after the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2012 Graduation Ceremony May 23, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., performs more than 30 air shows around the world annually. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Obama to Class of 2012: Your spirit is essence of America

Newly minted second lieutenants toss their hats skyward as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Falcon Stadium during the Air Force Academy Class of 2012 graduation ceremony May 23, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colo. A total of 1,073 graduates crossed the stage and received their diplomas from President Barack Obama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Elizabeth Andrews)

Obama to Class of 2012: Your spirit is essence of America

President Barack Obama congratulates Cadet 1st Class Timothy Jefferson on graduating from the Air Force Academy during the Academy's graduation ceremony in Falcon Stadium May 23, 2012. Jefferson was the starting quarterback for the Air Force Falcons football team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Obama to Class of 2012: Your spirit is essence of America

President Barack H. Obama congratulates Cadet 1st Class Madison Chilton during the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Falcon Stadium May 23, 2012. Chilton, the daughter of Mobilization Assistant Brig. Gen. Cathy Chilton, is one of a record 237 women to graduate as part of the Academy's Class of 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)