U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet 2nd Class Kayla

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet 2nd Class Kayla Steiner, center, handler of “Nova” the newly named 15 week old full white-phase Gyrfalcon, displays the new mascot of the United States Air Force Academy with Cadet 3rd Class Sierra Hillard, left, and Cadet 1st Class Seamus Kean, right. Nova’s name was decided by a vote amongst the entire cadet wing on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020. The name Nova represents the new era of Space Force and of a star showing a sudden large increase in brightness. Nova’s purchase to the academy was funded by donations from the USAFA class of ’95. The Falconry team is the oldest and smallest team at the academy with twelve cadets handling eleven falcons of various breeds and ages. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)