WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — It was graduation day for cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy on Thursday.
“I believe there is no more noble work that one can do than to serve our nation in uniform,” Vice President Kamala Harris said.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the commencement address at the academy’s Colorado Springs campus.
With a salute and a handshake, the vice president congratulated the cadets.
“Today you join the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen,” Harris said.
Traveling often on Air Force II, Harris knows the work that goes into having a smooth ride and a safe landing. Academy graduates have piloted her over more than 400,000 miles.
“So, it is my firsthand experience that this academy produces some of the greatest pilots in the world,” Harris said.
Vice President Harris’ address to graduates comes as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East play out.
“Around the world, our allies are in awe and our adversaries in fear,” Harris said.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall posed this question to the graduates.
“Are you ready for those challenges class of 2024? Yes, I think you are,” Kendall said.
Next week marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Harris says it was America’s air power that changed the course of history.
“America won control of the skies,” Harris said.
Before congratulating the class of 2024, the vice president paused to pose for a selfie with the graduates.