The flag presentation ceremony for the 15th graduating class of the Air Force Academy's Basic Training Program was held this Friday, December 19th, at the Air Force Academy in Thiès. This new class consists of 75 non-commissioned officer cadets, including 9 women and 8 trainees from Benin. They all passed a highly selective national entrance exam that attracted nearly 3,500 candidates.

Having joined the Thiès training base on September 8, 2025, these young students have just completed their initiation into the traditions of the school and their initial combat training.

At the ceremony, the base commander, Colonel Ousmane Ngom, delivered an important message to the non-commissioned officer cadets. "On this legendary parade ground, a privileged witness to the history of several generations of aviators, stand proudly before you, in combat uniform, the students of the 15th graduating class of the Air Force Academy's Basic Training Certificate, honored today. Indeed, throughout this initial phase, which marks the transition from civilian to military life, these young trainees have learned the fundamentals of the military profession and absorbed the constraints and obligations of military life, to become worthy servants of the nation," said Colonel Ngom.

He added that this initial training period coincides with intense moments during which the trainees, subjected to harsh tests of endurance and psychological pressures, were able to glimpse the requirements for practicing the demanding and exhilarating profession of soldier.

"These non-commissioned officer students will have to continue to demonstrate perseverance and total commitment over the next two years, in order to walk the paths of glory, paved by their predecessors. They will also embrace the increasingly complex and highly technical world of military aviation. They will then be called upon to assume responsibilities on which the success of the Senegalese armed forces will closely depend," he said.

After 90 particularly intense days, during which these young non-commissioned officer trainees were able to overcome multiple physical and moral challenges, the merit and honor belong to them today to receive the presentation of the flag.

"Non-commissioned officer trainees of the 15th class, this is the flag of the Air Force School; your flag. Beyond the school, it represents for us the highest symbol of Senegal, our eternal homeland, and summarizes its past, present and future. Therefore, we owe it respect and loyalty, and the obligation to defend it to the ultimate sacrifice," he suggested.

Colonel Ngom urges them to demonstrate unwavering commitment and constant adherence to the values represented by your flag.

"You are now at the dawn of a career which, we hope, will be beautiful, because it will be crowned with success. Arm yourselves with the values of this school during your stay here, and throughout your career in the armed forces in general and in the air force in particular. These values are named: discipline, commitment, humility, probity, epistemology and excellence," he said.

And to conclude: "Know that the task ahead may seem daunting, but never doubt your ability to surpass yourself and succeed in the missions entrusted to you. Before the military authorities and your respective families, I urge you to work constantly in accordance with these values and to honor the flag in all circumstances."