President Donald Trump emphasized the need for American military strength at a Thursday commencement address to the Air Force Academy’s class of 2019, The Hill reported.
The president addressed the academy’s 991 graduates in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he touted military innovation and highlighted his administration’s proposal for the creation of an independent space force.
He also expressed confidence the cadets would uphold the Air Force’s legacy as a premier fighting force.
“To dominate the future, America must rule the skies,” Trump said.
Trump, who has made increased military investment a key part of his administration’s agenda, consistently returned to the theme of American military might in maintaining international order.
It was the president’s first address to Air Force Academy graduates as president. He delivered the U.S. Naval Academy commencement address last year.
The president congratulated the graduates for joining the “long blue line,” saying no one can predict their challenges ahead. “You are going to be ready to serve. You are going to be ready to lead,” he said.
Image from U.S. Air Force Academy
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Naval Academy plebes climb the Herndon Monument, a tradition symbolizing the successful completion of the midshipmen’s freshman year. The class of 2027 completed the climb in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey
