Laughlin Air Force Base

Laughlin Air Force Base at a glance

Laughlin Air Force Base is an Air Education and Training Command installation east of Del Rio, Texas. The 47th Flying Training Wing conducts undergraduate pilot training for the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and allied nations. Its role is a flying schoolhouse, with instruction and the supporting aircraft, infrastructure and personnel needed to prepare military pilots.

The 47th Flying Training Wing has operated at Laughlin since September 1972, when it replaced the 3646th Pilot Training Wing. The wing's earlier lineage was as a light bombardment organization, established in 1947. At Laughlin it began specialized undergraduate pilot training in 1993 and added an airlifter and tanker training track in 1994. This history explains the installation's continuing focus on pilot development.

Also searched as: Laughlin AFB.

Sources: Laughlin Air Force Base and 47th Flying Training Wing history; Laughlin installation development environmental assessment

Mission and major activities

• Undergraduate pilot training through the 47th Flying Training Wing.
• Instruction for active, Reserve, Guard and allied-nation pilots.
• Preparation of mission-ready airmen supporting the training mission.

Sources: Laughlin Air Force Base and 47th Flying Training Wing history; Laughlin installation development environmental assessment

History and identity

The 47th's transition from a bombardment lineage to flying training occurred with its 1972 reactivation at Laughlin. It absorbed the resources of the previous pilot training wing.

Sources: Laughlin Air Force Base and 47th Flying Training Wing history

Location and community

Laughlin is in Val Verde County, east of Del Rio in southwestern Texas. The installation also has a recreation annex near Lake Amistad.

Sources: Laughlin installation development environmental assessment

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Laughlin Air Force Base and 47th Flying Training Wing history

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Laughlin Air Force Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Laughlin Air Force Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. Laughlin Air Force Base and 47th Flying Training Wing historySupports: overview, mission, history, planning note
2. Laughlin installation development environmental assessmentSupports: overview, mission, local context

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.