LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Laughlin welcomed civic leaders from Del Rio, Texas, and Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, to the base during a tour Nov. 1, 2022, to showcase the base’s mission of producing combat-ready Airmen, leaders, and pilots.
Col. Kevin Davidson, the 47th Flying Training Wing commander, spent the day showcasing Team XL to Al Areola, Mayor of Del Rio, Texas, Emilio de Hoyos Montemayor, Mayor of Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, and other civic leaders.
"Our partnership with the city of Del Rio is vital to the success of our mission.” said Davidson. “With so many families from Del Rio and Team XL living in the sister city of Acuna it is important that we share and educate Laughlin's mission to the civic and consulate leaders from both sides of the border. Our goal is to expand our relationships and build trust between the two cities and Laughlin AFB."
Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña, while in different countries, maintain deep connections and support for one another. Those unique connections extend to Laughlin through dynamic community involvement.
“It was really exciting to tour Laughlin and see, firsthand, the day in and day out operations of the best pilot training basing thin the United States,” said Areola. “I hope to continue fostering the relationship with Laughlin and support their mission.”
During the tour, Davidson showcased Laughlin’s overall mission, pilot training innovations, and introduced the civic leaders to members of Team XL.
By increasing the understanding of Laughlin’s mission and capabilities, this familiarization tour will help everyone involved with future plans and problem-solving capabilities. Positive community relationships enable Laughlin produce new pilots and the next generation of airpower.