LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) is currently accepting submissions for a new morale patch to be worn by all wing personnel on Fridays, aiming to foster esprit de corps and honor the unit’s historical lineage.
The contest calls for each group across the installation to submit one patch design, using the current shape of the 47th FTW emblem as a template.
Designers are encouraged to incorporate symbolic references to the wing’s predecessor units: the 3646th Pilot Training Wing (PTW) and the 47th Bombardment Wing.
This competition is open to all members of the 47th FTW.
“Laughlin has a rich history of producing the World’s best pilots,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “Producing pilots is a collective effort that has always required the best of every Airman assigned to Laughlin AFB. By honoring those who have walked this ground and flown these skies before, we carry a rich tradition of excellence on our shoulder. Additionally, the 47th Bombardment Wing (our namesake) was extremely influential in operations over Europe and Northern Africa during WWII and when we wear 47 on our sleeve, we represent the men and women who wore it before us.”
The initiative was developed to highlight Laughlin’s longstanding heritage, stretching back to the early days of Air Force pilot training and tactical bombardment operations.
“This contest aligns with our Wing’s second line of effort; ‘Develop the Force to Cultivate a Warrior Mindset’ by introducing competition throughout the wing to build esprit de corps,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “It represents the value we place in our organizations’ collective creativity and provides our Airmen an avenue to compete directly in good nature.”
Prior to the activation of the 47th FTW on Sept. 1, 1972, Laughlin’s pilot training operations were conducted by the 3646th PTW. Additionally, the 47th Bombardment Wing, established on July 28, 1947, operated several historic aircraft, including the A-26 Invader, B-26 Marauder, B-45 Tornado, B-66 Destroyer and KB-50 Superfortress. These elements serve as inspiration for participating Airmen developing original patch designs.
“By connecting our Airmen to the history of the ‘47th,’ I hope [they] take pride in the important mission taking place today at Laughlin,” said Ellison. “I hope our Airmen see that we value their creativity and contributions to our mission. I hope they see that regardless of what shop, flight, squadron, or group they belong to as we are all part of Team XL.”
Each submission must include a written explanation detailing its symbolism. The winning design is set to be announced the week after the submission deadline of April 30.
The selected patch will be authorized for all wing personnel to wear on Fridays with both Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms and Flight Duty Uniforms.
The project aims to unify Airmen under a shared visual identity while paying tribute to the wing’s legacy of excellence in training and operational support.
"My vision for our wing is to forge a Warrior Culture that creates the World’s greatest pilots and empowers Airmen to win,” said Ellison. “By collectively connecting to our base and wing’s histories, we will solidify the winning warrior culture and mindset I envision within our wing.”
For guidance on how to submit your patch design, please contact your group’s Commander Support Staff.