Academy graduates 45th class

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  As parade caps flew and the Thunderbirds soared overhead, the Air Force Academy Class of 2003 added 974 names to the 45th list of academy alumni at graduation ceremonies here May 28.

Guest speakers were Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper.

The new Air Force second lieutenants will report to a variety of assignments, including 540 to pilot training and 40 to navigator training. Eighteen will attend medical, nursing or dental school. Thirty-five will enter into space and missile operations, 46 into developmental engineering, 30 into civil engineering, 41 into intelligence, 45 into communications-computers, and 32 into acquisitions.

Others will go immediately to other nonrated assignments Air Force-wide. In addition, six graduates accepted commissions in other military services. Four went to the Army, one to the Navy and one to the Marine Corps.

The class also boosted 100 distinguished graduates, 62 cadets earning academic distinction, 59 earning military distinction and 62 earning athletic distinction.