Laughlin wins Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin Air Force Base was recently awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the July 2012 to June 2013 time frame.

The 47th Flying Training Wing earned the distinction as AETC's top Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Flying-Hour Program, being the number one pilot-producing base and second busiest airfield in the Air Force.

Laughlin set the standard for many bases to follow with more than 13 number-ones in AETC, such as: number one in AETC for reduction of wing's annual water usage by 33 percent and energy consumption by 23 percent, saving the wing $407,000; number one in AETC for on-time graduation of 329 student pilots despite shortage in T-6 Texan supply; and only 70 percent instructor pilot manning.

Team XL also had numerous number-ones in the Air Force, such as: number one small clinic for cutting energy use by 17 percent; and number one in USAF for top performance in T-1, T-6 and T-38 fleet health readiness metrics.

"This award validates what I have known about Team XL: we produce the world's greatest pilots, we deploy mission ready Airmen and we develop professional, disciplined, bold leaders," said Col. Brian Hastings, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "Earning this award should come as no surprise to anyone because of the XL-ence that exists at Laughlin Air Force Base. I am proud to command this world-class flying training wing, and this award is testament to the level at which we operate."

The Force Management flight is currently working on completing the updates for people that are eligible for the AFOUA, explained Tech. Sgt. Kara Bush, 47th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of Force Management.

"Those who know they were assigned here during the time frame of the award can go ahead and purchase the ribbons, even if it were for one day," said Leonard Sobieski, 47th FSS director. "Anyone who changes stations before the update should check with their military personnel section to make sure the information was updated."

For more information, call the Military Personnel section at 298-5276.