By Khaleda Rahman
National Correspondent
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Cadets graduating into the U.S. Space Force were told that their job would be to win the "battle for space superiority" in remarks during their graduation ceremony.
The U.S. Air Force Academy's (USAFA) class of 2020 graduated in a ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Saturday. Vice President Mike Pence changed his plans amid the coronavirus pandemic to deliver the commencement address to the 967 new officers, according to a news release from the USAFA.
Meanwhile, U.S. Air Force Gen. John Raymond administered the oath of office to the 86 graduating seniors who are now officers in the U.S. Space Force, a branch of the armed forces that was founded in December to protect the U.S. and its allies' interests in space.
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The new Space Force officers will "fight and win the battle for space superiority," Raymond said in remarks during the ceremony. "You are our future and I need you to be bold," he added.
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This year's graduating cadets experienced a markedly different graduation from previous years. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the new officers closed out their four years at the school without handshakes, hugs, or chest bumps, which cadets typically share after receiving their diploma.
The cadets also sat at least six feet from their peers before, during, and after the ceremony, according to the USFA. But some traditions were able to continue, including the cadets hurlings their caps into the air at the end of the ceremony while a team of F-16s flew overhead.
"Today, the 967 exceptional young leaders of the 62nd graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy started their careers as officers, and I am confident that they will take our Air and Space forces and make them their own," said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria during the ceremony's opening remarks.
Silveria announced earlier in April that the graduation ceremony would be moved up six weeks. Other measures were also introduced to keep cadets, staff and families at the base safe from coronavirus. Most freshmen, sophomore, and junior cadets left the school in March and all cadets continued their studies online. The base was closed to all but official business.
Families and friends of cadets were also told that they would not be able to attend the graduation ceremony, but were able to watch a livestream.
"To the parents, families, friends, loved ones, our local leaders, and community members, thank you for your unwavering support," Silveria added. "This is a community we would normally welcome to Falcon Stadium but under the current circumstances we are honored to have your support from wherever you may be tuning in."
Graduates will leave the Academy at various stages throughout April for their first assignments or to return to their homes for 60 days.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advice on Using Face Coverings to Slow Spread of COVID-19
- CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- A simple cloth face covering can help slow the spread of the virus by those infected and by those who do not exhibit symptoms.
- Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items. Guides are offered by the CDC. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
- Cloth face coverings should be washed regularly. A washing machine will suffice.
- Practice safe removal of face coverings by not touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash hands immediately after removing the covering.
World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Hygiene advice
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
- Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
- If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
- Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
- Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
Correction 4/29/20, 5:40 a.m. ET: A previous headline misstated the academy from which the cadets were graduating. We regret the error.
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