SecAF tells Class of 2015 to take on challenges with 'moral courage'

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  A total of 840 cadets graduated from the Air Force Academy May 28, 2015, following a commencement address by the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James.

Among the newest batch of second lieutenants, 360 will directly attend pilot training, 89 will work in space and cyber space fields, 89 will attend graduate school and 44 will join nuclear missile operations.

Twenty percent of the Class of 2015 are women and 26 percent are minorities, James said.

"This is one of the most diverse classes we've had at the Academy," James said. "Going forward we must do even better. We are committed to diversity in our Air Force, expanding opportunities for women and same sex couples, having leaders who are ethical and take care of our people, and where sexual assault has no safe haven."

James referenced the Class of 2015's president, Second Lt. Andrew Dane, a prior-enlisted Airman who took part in 450 close air support missions to eliminate the Taliban during his 2010 deployment and received a Purple Heart.

"He continued to fight and never gave up despite his wounds," James said. "That's exactly the caliber of Airmen you will lead into the future across our Air Force in peace time and in combat. Please take a few moments and think about the graduates before you, the oath you will take, what it means to serve in the Air Force and most importantly, to always take of your people."

The secretary referenced Zebulon Pike, a historical American soldier and explorer who attempted to reach the top of Pikes Peak but never made it.

"Graduates, as we sit in the shadow of Pikes Peak during this glorious spring day, think back to the winter when the peak looked different and long ago when Zebulon Pike was sizing up the mountain, getting ready for his daunting mission to the summit. I'm guessing you had similar thoughts when you headed off to Basic Cadet Training. Now, after completing 101 semester hours of core curriculum, you have arrived at that summit."

The secretary asked graduates to think about their class exemplar, the Wright Brothers, who tenaciously pursued their dream of flight and turned it into a reality.

"I bet there are some of you who battled through failures such as being on academic probation or having the moral courage to accept responsibility of an honor code violation," James said. "You stayed and kept your heads held high and forged ahead. Today we get celebrate your perseverance and tomorrow you will lead us into the future."

This year's graduates, a part of the Academy's 57th class, have new challenges to face, James said.

"The Air Force in some ways has stayed the same and in some ways changed," she said.

Now budgets are tighter, there are different areas of worries, the force is operating with less manpower, Airmen are frequently being deployed and there are concerns about readiness, James said.

"This pace of operations is not likely to lessen," she said. "Lead us into the future because you are the next generation of leaders or as the U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter says, 'the force of the future.' You need to be open to new ideas and new ways of business because the world is more complex and dynamic than ever before."

According to James, the main pillars for Airmen to follow in detouring, defending and fighting our nation's wars: extend the Air Force's technological edge over potential adversaries, ensure the Air Force is efficient and accountable and leverage all Airmen's' talent.

"As second lieutenants, you will be responsible for guarding our nuclear enterprise, flying million dollar aircraft and money will be scarce and precious," James said. "We will rely on your insight, advice and judgment and want to hear and implement Airmen's' ideas. Take your talent to lead us into the future, think critically, adapt to changing circumstances, make the most of scarce resources and have the moral courage to stand up for what is right."

Four years ago we had the strongest and capable Air Force in the world and still do today, James said.

"We are more globally engaged," she said.

The secretary referenced the Air Force joining in on the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and providing humanitarian aid after earthquakes in Nepal this year.

"One thing that's clear to me is when big things happen around the world, the President calls 1-800-USAF and we kick into action big time," James said.

James asked graduates to lead the Air Force to greater degrees in air space and cyber space, take care of men and women in their command and ensure the U.S. Air Force remains the best air force on the planet.

"Honor our Air Force core values," she said. "They must underpin every action you take from here on forth as an officer and leader in our Air Force. These values greeted you on day one and you lived by them for the last four years. Continue to live by them as a second lieutenant and beyond."