Going solo: Cadet makes Academy powered flight history

Cadet 1st Class Staci Rouse emerges enthusiastically from a T-53A trainer that she flew solo, marking a historic first for the Air Force Academy's powered flight program. Rouse, a native of Woodridge, N.J., is assigned to Cadet Squadron 40. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Going solo: Cadet makes Academy powered flight history

Lt. Col. Scott Oskvarek presents Cadet 1st Class Staci Rouse with a name patch upon her landing to commemorate her historic fight Sept. 7. Rouse was the first cadet in Academy history to fly solo in a powered aircraft. Oskvarek is an instructor pilot with the 70th Flying Training Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

No engine? No problem

Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, prepares for a TG-15A glider ride Aug. 13, 2012, with Cadet 1st Class Chris Olson of Cadet Squadron 13. Olson is co-captain of the Academy’s Sailplane Racing Team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Elizabeth Andrews)

Academy UAS program continues to mature

Cadet 3rd Class Kasilie Shepherd coordinates an unmanned aerial system mission in the 557th Flying Training Squadron facility at the Air Force Academy Airfield July 20, 2012. Instructor pilot cadets and permanent-party faculty create scenarios that allow students to work with classmates enrolled in the Expeditionary Survival and Evasion Training summer program, simulating operational Air Force missions. Shepherd is assigned to Cadet Squadron 35. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Branum)

'Traveling' basic cadets observe modified Ramadan

Imam Mohamed Jodeh leads basic cadets in evening prayer during a Muslim service in Jacks Valley July 22, 2012. While Muslims normally fast during Ramadan, which began July 20, Jodeh instructed the basics not to fast while they underwent Basic Cadet Training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Branum)

'Traveling' basic cadets observe modified Ramadan

Imam Mohamed Jodeh helps Basic Cadet Wasim Soomro perform wudu prior to evening prayers in the Muslim chapel at Jacks Valley July 22, 2012. Wudu is a form of ablution, or ritual purification, that consists of washing one's hands, feet, mouth and face before praying or touching the Qur'an. Jodeh leads Muslim services as part of the Air Force Academy's lay leader program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Branum)

Memorial Service

Sensei Sarah Bender, the Academy’s Cadet Chapel Buddhist Program Leader, conducts the memorial service, July 13. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Elizabeth Andrews)

International Programs

Mohamed Salim Gallala from Tunisia is one of twenty international students participating in Basic Cadet Training. International students must be proficient in English and meet all other requirements for Academy admissions. When they graduate they receive a Bachelor of Science Degree, but are not commissioned officers in the U. S. Air Force.

Inprocessing

An appointee receives a haircut during inprocessing for the Class of 2016 on June 28. Approximately 1,050 basic cadets joined the Long Blue Line even as the Waldo Canyon fire burned to the south. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Elizabeth Andrews)

Inprocessing

Cadet 2nd Class Victoria Perkins, of Cadet Squadron 11, introduces an appointee to cadet life during inprocessing for the Class of 2016 on June 28. Approximately 1,050 basic cadets joined the Long Blue Line even as the Waldo Canyon fire burned to the south. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Elizabeth Andrews)

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)

Class of 2012 Graduation

Cadet 1st Class Daniel Taubenslag renders a salute to a classmate after crossing the stage as "Tail End Charlie" during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2012 graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23, 2012. "Tail end Charlie" is a term for the last graduate to receive a diploma. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)