U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Wednesday, May 25, the U.S. Air Force Academy class of 2022 graduated.

At Falcon Stadium, 973 cadets received their diplomas during the ceremony before witnessing the annual Thunderbirds Air Show.

The ceremony began right on schedule at 9:30 a.m. with graduates marching out and taking their seats as one big group.

Unlike the last two ceremonies, which were altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, graduates were able to sit side-by-side without social distancing.

The pandemic was a big theme Wednesday, mentioned by all speakers. USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark commended the cadets for rising to the challenges they faced during the pandemic and also recognized their families for helping them get through it.

Clark was the first of three speakers who addressed the graduates, including U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

While accepting their diplomas, graduates shook hands with the three speakers.

Finally, the ceremony ended with the iconic hat toss and flyover, which marked the beginning of the air show.

Watch the full graduation in the video above.