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Bulgarian Air Force deputy commander tours Laughlin's pilot training program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan L. Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The deputy commander of the Bulgarian air force and his staff completed a two-day tour of Laughlin's pilot training program March 20.

Brig. Gen. Rumen Radev visited Laughlin as the latest in a series of base tours geared in helping him transform the Bulgarian air force's pilot training program.

"As part of the general's trip we've tried to provide him with a complete view of the U.S. Air Force at all levels," said Maj. Brandon Thompson, Tennessee Air National Guard State Partnership Program director. "Laughlin represents the 'how' in which pilots are trained."

While here, Radev spoke with wing leadership and had the opportunity to visit Laughlin's flying training squadrons and see firsthand all the pieces, that when combined, produce what Radev described as the best pilots in the world.

"Our trip to Laughlin helped us realize why you have such a great Air Force," he said. "You have great Airmen dedicated to moving the Air Force forward."

Radev's tour of the base included the flight line, aircraft, flight simulators, classroom observation and several round table discussions.

"We wanted to show off America's premier pilot training wing," said Col. Tom Murphy, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "As NATO allies, it's important we work together and share our experiences in order to create a better, more unified force."

On tour, Radev explained what most impressed him about Laughlin and the U.S. Air Force's pilot training was its highly organized and practical nature, which better prepares pilots for future operations.

"Our system still obeys many of the old rules inherited from the days of the Warsaw Pact," he said. "It lacks realism, requires more sorties to achieve certain capabilities and is not as streamlined."

While not here to copy Laughlin, Radev hopes to bring to the Bulgarian Air Force many of those key winning principles he saw that drive Laughlin.

"The visit went beyond our expectations and came at the right time," Radev said. "We have begun to make changes in our own training structure and this trip showed me that we can be more effective at training and produce a lot of new capabilities in our pilots."

As Radev returns to Bulgaria and his accompanying staff departs for other bases, the lessons learned from his trip here will not be forgotten.

"The resources and concepts used in your training allows all allies to benefit and helps all of us reach fuller interoperability," Radev said. "That connection helps our air forces forge a stronger relationship that will better ensure peace around the world."