LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 47th Flying Training Wing celebrated record setting training flight numbers and accomplishments for the second quarter with “XL Day” on Thursday, July 3.
“XL Days” are readiness days earned by the achieving wing set production goals each quarter, based on minimum requirements to meet annual pilot production goals.
“We set production goals with 19th Air Force to earn quarterly XL Days, and this provides us metrics by which we hold ourselves accountable to achieve our annual goals,” said Capt. Grady Hughes, 47th Flying Training Wing Commanders Action Group director. “XL Days afford all personnel the opportunity to come together as one Team XL by building cross-functional esprit de corps.”
The day kicked off with July’s Monthly Hero Workout of a Flightline 5K. Monthly Hero Workouts seek to build esprit de corps through competition and are open to all wing personnel.
The 5K, held on the flightline, featured six categories for competition - Male, female, body weight, weighted vest, stroller and 35LB ruck, with winners being recognized at the Base Operations building following the race.
The day featured multiple tournaments and activities to include pickleball, volleyball, bowling, golf and the Tech. Sgt. Release social. The culmination of XL Day offered a free concert by Scotti Fraser Band at XL Landings coinciding with T-6 drop night.
In the second quarter, Laughlin exceeded production objectives set by 19th Air Force by 7%, boosting the base's annual pilot graduation potential to more than 360 pilots.
“This was no easy feat and couldn’t have happened without the combined best efforts of every single one of you,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th FTW commander. “Thank you for your continued professionalism and pursuit of XLence.”
XL Days are targeted quarterly in coordination with wing and group commanders to deconflict from other major events, to ensure the opportunity to bring everyone together. Next XL Day the wing will host “XL Games,” with a structured tournament affording squadrons to compete directly in a variety of sporting events.