(USAFA) Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier visited the U.S. Air Force Academy, August 19, 2025, the first military installation visit since assuming the role. Lohmeier was confirmed as under secretary July 24, 2025.
Lohmeier, a 2006 Academy graduate, served in both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. As the department’s second highest-ranking civilian official, he is responsible for organizing, training and equipping the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier discusses the U.S. Air Force Academy’s academic curriculum with Col. Steven Hasstedt, acting dean of the faculty, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 19, 2025. Conversations during the tour focused on the institution’s new training efforts including developing warfighters and forging leaders of character who are ready to lead day one of active service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Over the course of the tour, Lohmeier met with Academy leaders, cadets and staff to discuss the institution’s mission and transformation.
Conversations focused on the institution’s new training efforts including developing warfighters and forging leaders of character who are ready to lead day one of active service.
He then observed Noon Meal Formation, a display of cadet discipline, before joining cadets for lunch to hear their experiences, answer questions and share insights from his years of service.
“It was this institution that helped me learn for the first time in my life that developing character truly mattered and that I wanted to become a man of integrity. I trust that each of you will have similar experiences while here,” Lohmeier said.
“I am sure you’ll be grateful for the opportunity that you had to be here, whatever it may look like. I look forward to welcoming you into the big Air Force and Space Force as men and women of character.”
Lohmeier also visited the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, which opened in April 2025, to review how the Academy prepares cadets for cyber warfare and other emerging threats. This state-of-the-art facility underscores the Academy’s commitment to world-class resources and training in cutting-edge technologies.
Additionally, he toured the Cadet Chapel, a national landmark undergoing complex restoration work.
Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier speaks with Taylor Lorbiecki, a strength and conditioning coach, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 19, 2025. Lohmeier met with the admissions and athletics departments, furthering demonstrating his interest in a well-rounded cadet experience and a holistic approach to developing future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
As he departed, Lohmeier noted, “Returning to the Academy reminds me of the profound responsibility we bear to the nation. The young men and women here represent the future of our defense, and I leave today more confident than ever in their ability to safeguard our freedoms.”
Rounding out the visit, Lohmeier met with the admissions and athletics departments, furthering demonstrating his interest to a well-rounded cadet experience and a holistic approach to developing future leaders. The sessions provided perspectives that will inform his work in the under secretary role.
While on the Front Range, Lohmeier also visited Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station and units on Buckley Space Force Base.
More Photos (click to enlarge)
Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier addresses cadets in Mitchell Hall during his visit to his alma mater, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 19, 2025. He met with cadets to hear their experiences, answer questions and share insights from his years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)
Col. Thomas Swaim, head of the Department of Military and Strategic Studies, briefs Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier during a tour of the Multi-Domain Laboratory at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 19, 2025. The laboratory opened in 2021 and provides an immersive, scalable learning environment for future Air Force and Space Force leaders in the fundamentals of warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier tours the Multi Domain Laboratory with Col. Thomas Swaim, head of the Department of Military and Strategic Studies, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 19, 2025. The 7,000-square-foot facility integrates more than 60 layers of software with state-of-the-art user interfaces to create a comprehensive, integrated simulated battle space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier talks with U.S. Air Force Academy head baseball coach Mike Kazlausky at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 19, 2025. Lohmeier met with the admissions and athletics departments, furthering demonstrating his interest to a well-rounded cadet experience and a holistic approach to developing future leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)
And featured on the front page of the Air Force Academy website:
Quite the return after all that Matt as been through!
What an incredible return! Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier visits his alma mater, the U.S. Air Force Academy @matthewlohmeier @af_academy https://t.co/5iYrxVK7BS pic.twitter.com/NfiyB51mWR
— STARRS (@STARRSmission) August 26, 2025
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