B-roll of the 2011 United States Air Force Academy. Michael B. Donley congratulated the 1,021 graduates and challenged them to be lifelong learners, team players and doers after they received their diplomas and their commissions. "I know you couldn't be prouder today," Secretary Donley said to the graduates' parents and family members. "We've raised men and women with the desire, drive and patriotism to succeed at one of the most prestigious universities in the world." The secretary also thanked the Academy's faculty and staff for their efforts in developing the Air Force's next generation of leaders. "Thank you for your dedication to the development of these young cadets who have been under your care," he said. "Your tireless efforts have produced leaders with the character, the physical stamina, the academic credentials and the military skills our Air Force demands." Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, the Academy superintendent, welcomed distinguished guests, parents and family members and joined both Secretary Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz in congratulating the Academy's 53rd graduating class. "We have challenged these graduates militarily, physically and academically," General Gould said. "The Class of 2011 has demonstrated steadfast resiliency and ... the character traits needed to lead our nation in the decades to come." The graduation ceremony is a launching pad both for the graduates and for the future of the Air Force itself, Secretary Donley said. "Continue, and embrace your lifelong education," he said. "I think you will find that you would always like to have more training, more degrees, more languages under your belt. You can always keep learning." The secretary encouraged the graduates to continue building relationships like the ones they have built during their four years at the Academy. "National and international security are team sports, and our nations will depend on the coalitions that you can bring together," he said. "It will be absolutely critical as you work with your joint partners on the U.S. (Department of Defense) team, your fellows in other government security agencies and our coalition partners." Secretary Donley also challenged the new lieutenants to look for ways to contribute to the units in which they serve. "In the words of Tommy Lasorda, there are three types of batters, and by extension, three types of people: Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happened," he said. "My advice to you is to be in the first group: we need Airmen who make it happen." The new second lieutenants will step into leadership roles amid an Air Force in transition, Secretary Donley said. Increasing numbers of Airmen are entering space, cyberspace and acquisition career fields. More officers will also enter remotely piloted aircraft fields as the Air Force evolves, with 32 lieutenants from the Class of 2011 entering the RPA pilot career path.

• published: 11 May 2014
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