LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 87th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) otherwise known as the “Red Bulls,” celebrates this year’s Aug. 7 Red Bull Day, alongside winning Air Education and Training Command’s (AETC) Top Operations Squadron of 2023.
The AETC Top Operations Squadron award highlights the quality, hard work, efficiency, and achievement. The 87th FTS beat out every Operations Squadron under the AETC.
The 87th FTS safely executed 11.2K T-38C Talon sorties totaling 12.6K flying hours and 7.6K syllabus advancing sorties, culminating in the on-time graduation of 136 American and 34 international military pilots, the highest achievement in T-38 pilot training.
In addition to the unit’s performance, the 87th FTS also inspired many youths around the United States to become pilots.
The 87th FTS led the 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) Aviation Inspiration Mentorship Program (AIM), organizing outreach events that captivated over 32K youths from Alaska to Delaware, amplifying interest in the AIM High Flight Academy by 350% and culminating in the award of 187 Aviation Mentorship Scholarships.
This great accomplishment highlights why we celebrate Red Bull Day. The award reflects the skill and dedication that the 87th FTS has produced throughout history since the squadron’s beginning in WWI.