Team XL’s CRAFT opens Tactical Athlete Center Published Jan. 23, 2026 By Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 47th Flying Training Wing Comprehensive Readiness For Aircrew Flying Training (CRAFT) team hosted an open house for the new Tactical Athlete Center (TAC) at Laughlin Air Force Base on Jan. 12, introducing Airmen and base leadership to a centralized hub designed to enhance readiness, durability and human performance. The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the facility that has moved from the Losano Fitness Center to Building 320, placing it in-house with the 47th Operations Group flying squadrons. The event highlighted the TAC’s integrated approach to strength and conditioning, injury prevention, recovery and performance optimization for tactical athletes. Relocating the TAC closer to squadron operations was a deliberate decision aimed at improving accessibility for aircrew. “Relocating the Tactical Athlete Center into the squadron has given aircrew greater access to training as their schedules allow,” said Jill McKnight, CRAFT, strength and conditioning coach. “With group sessions offered every hour and the ability to drop in for mobility or spine-focused work, pilots can train before briefs, between sorties, or at the end of the day—even when time is limited.” Following the ribbon cutting, installation leadership participated in a one-hour CRAFT-led workout, providing senior leaders firsthand exposure to the training philosophy, programming and physical demands supported by the center. The session demonstrated the TAC programming as it builds resilience, improves movement quality and reduces injury risk through deliberate, mission-focused training. For pilots, proactive training plays a critical role in sustaining long-term flying performance and career longevity. “Strengthening the posterior chain helps prevent the long-term back and neck issues that are common among pilots, allowing us to stay in the cockpit longer throughout our careers,” said Capt. Trevor Muzzy, 47th Operations Group, chief of human performance & professional development. The TAC also doubled the square footage of the previous gym, allowing coaches to accommodate more aircrew per session while maintaining individualized, mission-focused programming. “Our primary focus is protecting the axial skeleton by strengthening the posterior muscular chain, which is directly impacted by sustained G-forces during sorties,” McKnight said. “Teaching Airmen how to support their spine early in training builds habits that carry throughout their careers and keeps them battle-ready for every mission.” Accessibility near the flight line further supports integration with the flying schedule. “Moving the Tactical Athlete Center closer to the flight line eliminates transit time to the base gym, making CRAFT training more accessible for pilots between flying events,” Muzzy said. Beyond physical conditioning, the TAC incorporates cognitive performance training to replicate the mental demands faced in the aircraft. “What sets the Tactical Athlete Center apart is its holistic approach to aircrew readiness,” said Alyssa Fox, CRAFT, cognitive performance specialist. “By integrating cognitive training into strength and conditioning sessions, we challenge aircrew to make decisions, manage tasks, and recall information while under physical stress, mirroring the demands they face in the aircraft.” During the open house, CRAFT staff showcased specialized equipment and explained how integrated physical and cognitive training supports performance under stress, improves long-term durability and enhances readiness across the installation. The opening of the TAC emphasizes Laughlin’s continued commitment to force readiness and human performance optimization. By prioritizing proactive training, injury prevention and cognitive resilience the TAC supports both individual Airmen and the wing’s ability to sustain its pilot training mission.