Team XL welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Angela Martin and Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- --  A former Laughlin pilot training student and instructor pilot became commander of the Air Force's premier pilot training base during the 47th Flying Training Wing change of command ceremony here Sept 12.

Col. Thomas Murphy accepted command from Maj. Gen. Mark Solo, 19th Air Force commander, to signify his assumption of command.

"Carla and I began our Air Force journey right here at Laughlin 22 years ago. We never thought we'd be back and certainly not as the wing commander," said Murphy. "But trust me; there is no other wing I would rather command."

Murphy entered the Air Force in 1988 after graduating from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts and was commissioned through Air Force ROTC.

Upon receiving his commission, Murphy came to Laughlin, where he completed undergraduate pilot training in June of 1990 followed by a four-year tour as a T-38 Talon instructor pilot. He then returned to Laughlin in July of 2010 when he was appointed to the 47th FTW vice commander position.

Murphy holds the rating of command pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours in the C-5 Galaxy, T-38 and T-37 Tweet aircraft.

"Today is about the members of the 47th Flying Training Wing. I appreciate and applaud your willingness to serve our great nation and the incredibly professional way you accomplish our mission of graduating the world's best pilots and deploying mission-ready Airmen," said Murphy. " Make no mistake, we will continue to perform that mission safely, and we'll also develop professional, disciplined leaders who know the standard, set the standard, and enforce the standard. My number one priority is to provide you the resources and tools to do just that."

As wing commander, Murphy is in charge of the undergraduate pilot training for U.S. Air Force and allied officers that exceed 80,000 flying hours and 55,000 sorties yearly, producing more than 300 pilots as well as deploying mission ready Airmen at any time. As commander, he is responsible for over $270 million in assets while having an estimated $220 million economic impact on the local community.

"The most important thing I ask from you is also what I pledge to offer you as your commander, do your very best every day," said Murphy. "Each day give it your all because our nation is counting on us, and failure simply is not an option."