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Welcome to Laughlin Air Force Base, home of the 47th Flying Training Wing, the Air Force's largest pilot training base. The history of the wing dates back to 1947.  On July 28, 1947 the 47th Bombardment Wing, Light, was designated, with the organization occurring Aug. 15, 1947. Between its organization and 1949, the wing trained in night tactical operations, conducted firepower demonstrations and participated in tactical exercises while flying the A-26, and later, the B-26 aircraft. Read the full history here.

For additional base information, visit our Units page. For more information about the Air Force in general, visit Air Force Link and its Library page.

Laughlin Aircraft

T-38 Talon T-38 Talon

T-38 Talon

Twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer
T-6A Texan II T-6A Texan II

T-6A Texan II

Single-engine, two-seat primary trainer
T-1A Jayhawk T-1A Jayhawk

T-1A Jayhawk

Medium-range, twin-engine jet trainer

Home of Fly, Fight and Win

Laughlin AFB is the home of the 47th Flying Training Wing, one of the world's premier pilot training wings. 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-6A Texan II, T-38 Talon, and T-1A Jayhawk trainers. Laughlin is named after 2nd Lt. Jack Thomas Laughlin, a Del Rio native killed over Java in the South Pacific in the early days of World War II.

47th Flying Training Wing
47th Flying Training WingThe 47th Flying Training Wing, located at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, conducts specialized undergraduate pilot training for the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and allied nation air forces utilizing the T-6, T-38 and T-1A aircraft while deploying mission-ready Airmen as well as develop professional, disciplined leaders.

  • 47th Comptroller Squadron

47th Mission Support Group
47th Mission Support GroupThe 47th Mission Support Group is the focal point for all base support activities, which includes overall responsibility for military and civilian personnel management, administrative services, security and resource protection, disaster preparedness, recreational activities, family and transient housing, airmen dormitories and dining facilities. Other responsibilities include upkeep of all base buildings, facilities and infrastructures, environmental protection, energy conservation, and base communications.

  • 47th Communications Squadron
  • 47th Civil Engineering Squadron
  • 47th Force Support Squadron
  • 47th Security Forces Squadron
  • 47th Contracting Flight
  • 47th Logistics Readiness Flight

47th Medical Group
47th Medical GroupThe 47th Medical Group is comprised of two squadrons, both giving direct support to the military and civilian population on Laughlin AFB. Their mission is to promote and ensure wellness, optimal health care, and readiness for worldwide contingencies.


  • 47th Medical Support Squadron
  • 47th Medical Operations Squadron           

47th Operations Group
47th Operations GroupThe 47th Operations Group is responsible for training US Air Force and allied nation pilots under the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Program. The group provides management, control, and standardization and evaluation of all aspects of flying training operations, aircraft maintenance, and airfield management at Laughlin AFB, Texas.


  • 47th Operations Support Squadron
  • 47th Student Squadron
  • 434th Flying Training Squadron
  • 85th Flying Training Squadron
  • 86th Flying Training Squadron
  • 87th Flying Training Squadron