Air Education and Training Commander visits Laughlin Published April 17, 2026 By 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn, commander of Air Education and Training Command, visited Laughlin Air Force Base April 14, marking Quinn’s first visit to the 47th Flying Training Wing as the commander of AETC. During the visit, Quinn met with Airmen, officers and senior enlisted leaders to see how the 47th Flying Training Wing develops and supports the next generation of America’s airpower, producing over 300 pilots a year. Quinn, who was a student at Laughlin for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) in 1998, visited several facilities and received briefings on the wing's latest innovations and quality-of-life improvements. “What's happening at Laughlin is about more than just numbers; it's about producing the most capable and lethal aviators in the world,” said Quinn. “The dedication to excellence, from all of Team XL, ensures that every graduate is ready to meet the challenges of a complex global environment. The future of America's air superiority starts right here.” The visit highlighted the wing's commitment to innovation and readiness, including a stop at the 47th Maintenance Directorate’s (MXD) Air Force Repair Enhancement Program (AFREP), where technicians are supporting self-sustainability and efficiency within the directorate. Recent upgrades to base infrastructure were also on display, including a renovation update of the Ricks Hall enlisted dormitory and the new Base Exchange. The BX project, which Quinn advocated for during his time as the 19th Air Force commander, consolidated the Exchange and Express stores into a single, modern facility that opened in April 2025. “Taking care of our Airmen is paramount,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th FTW commander. “The renovations to Ricks Hall and the BX are not just about new buildings; they are about fostering a supportive community and ensuring our Airmen have the quality of life they deserve. When we invest in our people, we are investing in our mission.” Quinn had the opportunity to engage with Laughlin instructor pilots, opening a two-way dialogue for discussion about the future of UPT and getting a firsthand look at the 47th Operations Group’s updated Comprehensive Readiness For Aircrew Flying Training Tactical Athlete Center, which has been collocated with the flying squadrons. The visit concluded with an in-depth look at Laughlin’s innovative pilot training initiatives. Quinn was immersed in a demonstration of the Rapid Crew Swap (RCS) and Quick Turn processes. Laughlin is the first UPT base to implement RCS, a procedure that streamlines aircraft turn times to increase the number of daily sorties and save thousands of maintenance man-hours annually. “It was great to see first hand the innovation that is happening at Laughlin” said Quinn. “The implementation of RCS is an example of the forward-thinking we need to meet the growing pilot demand. By embracing innovation and empowering our Airmen, Team XL is not just producing pilots; they are producing a more capable force for the future fight.”