LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- General Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, visited Laughlin Air Force Base, April 10-11, 2025, to speak at an undergraduate pilot training graduation ceremony and to interact with the next generation of Air Force aviators, April 10-11, 2025.
The UPT program prepares young Air Force officers to serve as military pilots, and Wilsbach got a hands-on look at how Laughlin develops mission-ready, resilient Airmen, leaders, and families.
A graduate of UPT at Laughlin, Wilsbach shared words of wisdom with Class 25-08 during their graduation banquet.
“When Americans look at you as military aviators, they expect more,” Wilsbach said. “They expect you to fly safely, of course, and they also expect you to accomplish the mission. They expect you to show integrity, honor, and discipline. There’s no extra budget for that – you just need to have those qualities.”
The following day, Wilsbach participated in a T-6A Texan II flight, flown by current student pilots and instructors from the 434th and 85th Flying Training Squadrons.
During Wilsbach’s visit, Airmen and families from across the wing got a close look at the F-22 Raptor. This opportunity allowed the Laughlin community, especially 87th FTS students currently learning fighter/bomber fundamentals, to gain a better understanding of aircraft in the combat air forces.
Throughout his visit, Wilsbach met with Airmen who support the UPT mission, recognizing several individuals across the wing.
“Team XL is truly what keeps the mission going,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “The instructors, maintainers and support groups that make up our total force, are the core of developing the world’s greatest pilots and empower us all to win.”