7 Jun 2021

Flying through the viewfinder

An Adrenaline infusing rush, like jumping head-first into icy cold water, that creates an overwhelming sense of nervousness in the pit of my stomach. This is what it felt like the first time I flew in a T-6 Texan II. I soon realized I might have one of the best jobs and office views in the Air Force.

12 Feb 2020

XLer of the Week: Rene Martinez

Rene Martinez, a 47th Maintenance Squadron T-6A Texan II aircraft mechanic, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, Feb. 3, 2020, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Robert L. Zackery III, 47th FTW command chief master sergeant, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.

6 Nov 2019

T-6 Texan II sun shades improve training capability

Over the last few years, sun shelters have been constructed to house many of the aircraft at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The new T-6 Texan II sun shelters, which shelters currently 33 aircraft, have been rolling out to improve training and the quality of life for individuals and Airmen working on the flightline.

19 Sep 2019

Laughlin pilots take on the night skies

First Lt. Benjamin Peña, 85th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, sits in a T-6A Texan II, preparing for takeoff on Sept. 18, 2019 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Night flying at a Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training base allows not only more hours in the sky, but it also provides a variety experience so pilots can become accustomed

21 Jun 2018

Airman’s Spotlight: Alvaro Constancio

Walking into a maintenance hangar enjoys an atmosphere different than anywhere else at Laughlin, and it’s one that some XL members don’t get a chance to experience. It is an atmosphere that embodies “work hard, play hard,” in its own way. Climate control is substituted with the coming and going of the seasons, however fist-bumps and friendly banter are year-round. Alvaro Constancio, 47th Maintenance Directorate T-6 Texan II maintainer, has been a part of that environment since 2001, as a product of the “Grow Your Own” program, and said he’s happy to be there.

19 Apr 2018

XLer of the week: Capt. Stephen MacDonald

Capt. Stephen MacDonald, 85th Flying Training Squadron assistant director of operations, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of Apr. 9, 2018, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

28 Apr 2017

XL maintainers knocking out hangar queens

In January, 2016, there were 38 T-6 aircraft that hadn’t seen the skies in more than 30 days on Laughlin Air Force Base. Those 38 aircraft categorized as “hangar queens.” Eight of those 38 aircraft haven’t flown in over three years, with one nearing five years being non-mission capable. In a year and a half, Laughlin has cut that number down to the lowest number of T-6 hangar queens in any of Air Education and Training Command’s wings with only one downed aircraft – and it’s thanks to Team XL’s maintainers.