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  • BASH: keeping our pilots safe one "boom" at a time

    The Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program at Laughlin works daily to keep wildlife off of the airfield. Its purpose is to prevent possible aircraft damage, accidents and wildlife casualties.“This airfield is arguably one of the busiest in the Air Force,” said Brandon Nooner, 47th

  • Altus and Laughlin AFB team up to demonstrate airpower capabilities

    Two C-17 Globemaster III crews and Airmen from the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, integrated with Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, to support the COPE THAW mission by providing airlift capabilities for approximately 70,000 pounds of equipment to be moved to

  • Operation Cope Thaw: a pilot's chance to advance

    Airmen from Laughlin Air Force Base integrated with units from the 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, to begin a short-notice deployment exercise dubbed Operation Cope Thaw, which kicked off Feb. 2.

  • 97 AMW commander visits Laughlin AFB pilot students

    Airmen from the 58th Airlift Squadron and Col. Blaine Baker, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, flew a C-17 Globemaster III to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 9-10, 2021, where Baker gave a speech at a pilot training graduation ceremony and allowed student pilots to tour an aircraft they could

  • Laughlin and AETC: A legacy of air power

    Every year, hundreds of U.S. Air Force pilots earn their wings and embark on a journey to stake their claim in the pages of history. For 80 years, each and every pilots’ story has started within the Air Education Training Command. Laughlin Air Force Base, one of 12 installations within the major

  • The instructors behind virtual take off

    Over the past decade, anyone with a computer and a copy of flight simulator software has had the experience of flying over the virtual skies.The United States Air Force takes this concept to a whole new level and the simulators they use to train student pilots at Laughlin Air Force Base dwarf the

  • 8/5 day the start of a new tradition

    A new tradition has been introduced into the rich mythos of Laughlin Air Force Base. August 5th will now be known as 8/5 day to celebrate our very own 85th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) more commonly called “The Tigers”. This new tradition will live on in Laughlin for as long as the historic

  • Flying through the viewfinder

    An Adrenalin infusing rush, like jumping head-first into icy cold water, that creates an overwhelming sense of nervousness in the pit of my stomach. This is what it felt like the first time I flew in a T-6 Texan II. I soon realized I might have one of the best jobs and office views in the Air Force.

  • Deputy commander meets with Laughlin teammates, experiences Team XL

    Maj. Gen. William Spangenthal, deputy commander of Air Education and Training Command, visited the 47th Flying Training Wing this month to witness how Team XL is furthering an environment of excellence for Airmen stationed here.Cultivating an environment of excellence includes ensuring Airmen and

  • Community wins $4M grant for Laughlin

    Val Verde County government was awarded two grants on Laughlin Air Force Base’s behalf Monday morning. The grant will fund $2,465,447 for new airfield lighting, making the airfield safer. The T-1 fleet will get a dozen new sunshades, creating a better work environment for maintainers, and protecting