Laughlin Air Force Base, Military Base

A lone Jayhawk T-1 sits awaiting for a pilot to take to the flight line on May. 18th 2021, at Laughlin Air Base, Texas. The T-1 is the aircraft pilots use when they are training for heavy aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David Phaff)

In 1962, the base became an Air Training Command base and its mission for the past 37 years has been to train new pilots for the United States Air Force and allied nations.

Approximately 400 new military pilots earn their silver wings at Laughlin each year after an intensive 52-week course where they learn to fly using the T-6 Texan, T-38 Talon, and T-1A Jayhawk jet trainers.

Laughlin AFB pilots fly approximately 100,000 hours and 64,000 sorties each year to achieve the mission.

Laughlin Air Force Base Information

Condition: Operational
Years in Use: 1943 – present
Controlled by: Air Education and Training Command (AETC)
Current Commander: Colonel Tyler Ellison
Garrison: 47th Flying Training Wing
Base Occupants: 47th Flying Training Wing, 340th Flying Training Group
Open to the Public: No