If nothing else, President Donald Trump broke the mold on Thursday. With a mix a humor and saber-rattling, accompanied by a Trumpian dash of adjectives and a bit of bravado, Trump saw off the Academy’s class of 2019, with a speech that was decidedly conventional for the famously off-the-cuff president.

VIDEO | Graduation moments 2019: Air Force Academy graduation

"To dominate the future, America must rule the skies. And that is what your time at this great Academy has been all about," he said. ""You truly make America proud."

Trump steered clear of his troubles with Robert Mueller, Iran, Democrats, immigration and a hit-parade of issues and only took a single swipe at a phalanx of press who piled in Falcon Stadium for the address. The president also paused his remarks twice to invite cadets to the stage for a presidential pat on the back before wrapping up with a marathon of 1,000 handshakes and hugs doled out to the graduates.

President Trump paused his remarks twice to invite cadets to the stage for a presidential pat on the back before wrapping up with a marathon of 1,000 handshakes and hugs doled out to the graduates Thursday,  May 30, 2019 at the Air Force Academy graduation.

“I’m shaking all 1,000, OK?” Trump told the crowd to cheers. 

The crowd lavished applause on Trump, and more than a few shouted “four more years.” The crowd of more than 30,000 was wild for Trump despite a long wait.

-Air Force Academy graduates join 'long blue line' with handshake from Trump

-Sights, sounds and sentiments from the 2019 Air Force Academy graduation

-We won't forget listening to Donald Trump's 2019 AFA graduation speech| David Ramsey

The president arrived in Colorado Springs nearly an hour behind schedule, but paused at the Peterson Air Force Base to greet Mayor John Suthers before taking time to shake hands with Jack Plylar, an Elbert County World War II veteran who was one of his first Colorado supporters for the presidency.

PHOTOS: Air Force Academy 2019 graduation