LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- 47th Flying Training Wing Airmen bid farewell to Col. Tyler Ellison and welcomed new commander, Col. Eric Bissonette, during a change of command ceremony here, May 28, 2026.
Maj. Gen. Roy Collins, Air Education and Training Command deputy commander, presided over the ceremony, reflecting on the pivotal role the 47th FTW plays in the success of the Air Force.
“Over the decades, the mission here has evolved, but the strategic importance of Laughlin has never wavered,” said Collins. “The 47th continues to be the bedrock of American airpower.
During his time leading Team XL Ellison oversaw the execution of over 71,000 sorties, successfully producing more than 700 combat ready pilots and transforming pilot training across the enterprise through initiatives like rapid crew swap and quick turn procedures. Additionally, he profoundly enhanced quality of life, forging key community partnerships and driving transformational change in the future of the base’s Blue-Ribbon Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) school.
“Standing here today, at the end of this command tour, my primary feeling is one of profound gratitude,” said Ellison. “Being your commander and serving alongside you has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am incredibly proud of each and every member of Team XL and what you’ve accomplished these past two years. Our mission demands excellence day-in and day-out, and you have delivered at every turn.”
Ellison, who will be taking on a new assignment at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., served as commander of the 47th FTW since June 26, 2024.
“For all our local Del Rio leaders, I know it isn’t easy, but your unwavering support is indispensable to the successes of Laughlin AFB, we couldn't do it without you,” said Ellison. “Team XL thanks for running fast these past two years and trusting me as XL01.”
Bissonette previously served as the 71st Operations Group commander at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, supervising all flying activities for the 71st Flying Training Wing as it conducts Undergraduate Pilot Training.
As the new commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing, Bissonette now oversees nearly 2,400 military and civilian personnel engaged in executing more than 38,000 aircraft sorties yearly.
“To Team XL, we are living in at time of great consequence, and our ability to defend our nation is, quite simply, a no-fail mission,” said Bissonette. “There is no workaround for what you do. There is no backup system that replaces precision. Success at this level is never individual. Pilot production is a team sport. The MSG, LMG, OG and WSA all have a critical role to play in the mission of Team XL. I am truly grateful to serve alongside you at this pivotal moment for our Air Force.”
The 47th FTW’s critical mission has remained the same since 1962 to train and develop the finest military pilots. Beginning with the first Undergraduate Pilot Training class in the mid-1950s, silver wings have been pinned on nearly 21,000 pilots. Currently, the base utilizes the T-6A Texan II and the T-38C Talon to teach American and allied nation’s pilots to fly.