Laughlin MAA Day “huge homerun”

  • Published
  • 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 visited here July 19 for the Military Affairs Association Day.

The day took participants through a hands-on experience of what the 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. We want you to be able to experience what your efforts help us accomplish," said Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander.

During the tour, community members learned about the history of Laughlin from its stand up in 1947 to present day operations and the relationships held between 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 also took a windshield tour of the base and experienced a breakdown of how the various jobs, both military and civilian, work together in completing the base mission.

Participants watched demonstrations of the military working dogs in action and visited aerospace physiology where they took a spin on the Barany chair, a spatial disorientation tool utilized in pilot training. They also tested their flying skills in the flight simulators and took a tour of 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, the Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Association president.