The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performed a flyover for the Air Force Academy Class of 2026 graduation on Thursday, May 28 [1].
The event combined a traditional military milestone with political tension as the administration sought to maintain decorum during the commencement address.
The ceremony took place at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado [2]. The Thunderbirds provided a high-profile aerial display, completing an initial flyover and a second pass following the traditional hat toss [3]. These maneuvers served as a formal honor for the graduating cadets [4].
Vice President JD Vance (R-OH) delivered the commencement address to the graduates. During the proceedings, Vance addressed the crowd regarding the expected behavior of the cadets. "You can't boo me," Vance said [5]. He prohibited cadets from heckling him to ensure the ceremony remained professional.
Despite the successful flyovers, the event did not conclude with the expected full-scale aviation display. Officials cancelled the scheduled post-ceremony air show [3]. The cancellation followed the completion of the graduation rites and the cadet oath [6].
The Class of 2026 graduation is an annual event marking the transition of cadets into commissioned officers [1]. While the flyovers are a staple of the celebration, the decision to scrap the subsequent air show left the event shorter than typical years [3].
“"You can't boo me."”
The intersection of a military commissioning ceremony and a high-profile political speech highlights the ongoing tension between institutional military tradition and partisan politics. By explicitly forbidding booing, the Vice President's office sought to enforce a strict standard of military discipline and decorum, regardless of the cadets' personal political views.
