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WASHINGTON, DC — United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors (BOV) Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) convened the Board's first meeting of 2026 last week in Washington, DC, hosting Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink for an important discussion on the future of the Academy and its readiness to develop war-ready officers.
"We had a phenomenal first Board meeting of 2026," said Chairman Pfluger. "I'm grateful to my fellow Board members for their continued commitment to ensuring the U.S. Air Force Academy has the support it needs to produce the warfighters and leaders our nation needs for future conflict. Our role as Board members to fulfil this mission comes at a critical time, as recent military operations around the globe have underscored the importance of Airpower. From academics to athletics to military training, all Academy efforts must be focused on developing the officers needed to lead complex and multi-domain operations. The report we have compiled supports this mission, and I look forward to working with Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Meink on implementing its recommendations."
During the meeting, Chairman Pfluger welcomed Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Ted Budd (R-NC)to their first Board meeting as newly appointed members.
Secretary Meink provided an update on the Academy's current posture and long-term trajectory, and highlighted the Board's role in restoring America's Fighting Force.
As part of its statutory responsibilities, the Board prepared a report for Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The report outlines recommendations to improve readiness, governance, and institutional effectiveness at the Academy. Chairman Pfluger highlighted several key recommendations, including:
1. Increasing the Cadet Wing end strength to align with West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy
2. Conducting a faculty composition audit through the Air Force Manpower Analysis Agency
3. Establishing a Military Service Academy Commission within the Department of War
4. Reviewing the Academy's disciplinary procedures.
5. Working with the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to dedicate a section of the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to focus on reinvesting in our nation's Military Service Academies.
Looking ahead, the Board announced the formation of 2026 focus groups covering Accreditation, Admissions, AI, Athletics, and Infrastructure. The meeting concluded with Board Members outlining the Academy's priorities for the year ahead, discussing future resourcing options, and engaging with questions from the public.
The Board is composed of Presidential appointees and Members of Congress, including Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), James Cramer (R-ND), Tedd Budd (R-NC), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Representatives Jeff Crank (CO-05), Don Davis (NC-01), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Don Bacon (NE-02).
“Under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, we are returning to peace through strength. That starts in our U.S. Service Academies. It’s an honor to serve on the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Air Force to help support this important mission, and I’m encouraged by the progress being made to return our military from a woke HR department into a lethal killing machine,” said Senator Tuberville.
“It is an honor to be a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. As our nation faces unprecedented challenges, the board remains committed to ensuring our Airmen have the training and resources needed to face whatever comes their way,” said Senator Mullin.“I am grateful to Chairman Pfluger for his leadership and execution of this critical meeting.”
"It was an honor to attend the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors’ reception recognizing the Academy’s commitment to excellence and visiting with U.S. Air Force leadership. I look forward to working with fellow Board members to support an academy which trains and develops leaders who are prepared to meet today’s threats and excited to tackle tomorrow’s challenges,” said Senator Cramer.
“I am honored to join the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, and I look forward to advocating on behalf of our young cadets at the Academy. As the board continues its work to advance the goals of the USAFA 2050 initiative, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Chairman Pfluger and my fellow Board members to ensure the Academy develops leaders of character equipped to lead and defend our country,” said Senator Budd.
"Last week's U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors meeting provided a great discussion on the future of the Academy. I’m excited to work to get the Cadet Wing back to 4,400 strong, to advance the Air, Space, and Cyber Warfighter Center, and to be Chairing the Infrastructure Working Group, where we will support a major recapitalization investment into the Academy," said Rep. Crank.
“The USAFA Board of Visitors meeting this week underscored our shared commitment to ensuring the Academy remains the premier institution for developing the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders,” said Rep. Bacon. “I appreciated the candid discussions, particularly our focus on preserving rigorous, merit‑based admissions that uphold the Academy’s high standards. I’ll continue working to support the cadets, faculty, and mission of the Academy.”
Pictures from the Board meeting are available for broadcast and distribution HERE, and a few are highlighted below as well.
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