Laughlin community grows closer

Published July 21, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Desiree Economides
47th Flying Training Wing public affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 50 business and civic leaders from Del Rio, Texas, visited Laughlin AFB July 19 for the Military Affairs Association Day.

The day took participants through a hands-on experience of what Airmen of the 47th Flying Training Wing do to support training Air Force pilots and deploying mission-ready Airmen.

"Today, we would like to say thank you to the members of Del Rio who support Laughlin day in and day out," said Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "We want you to be able to experience what your efforts help us accomplish."

During the tour, community members learned about the history of Laughlin AFB from its origin in 1947 to present day operations, and the relationships between the city of Del Rio and the base.

"I've been on base and seen the growth the base has had in the last 20 years, but what really impressed me are the plans of future growth and the economic impact the base has within the community," said Blanca Larson, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce president.

Following the mission briefing, participants received a windshield tour of the base, and were presented with examples of how military and civilians, work together to complete the base mission.

Participants watched military working dog demonstrations, and visited aerospace physiology where they took a spin on the Barany chair, a spatial disorientation tool used in pilot training. They also tested their flying skills in the flight simulators and toured the air traffic control tower.

The day was concluded with a formal retreat ceremony conducted by the Laughlin Honor Guard and senior non-commissioned officers complete with a flight formed by the 47th FTW Top Three Association and a flyover of Laughlin's training aircraft a T-6, T-38 and T-1A.

"The day was fantastic. The base really hit a homerun with the event and I hope it becomes an annual event," said John Campbell, Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Association president.