LAUGHLIN AFB
AIR FORCE
Del Rio, TX
United States
LAUGHLIN AFB
AIR FORCE
Del Rio, TX
United States
Laughlin AFB
Base Essentials
A pilot training base in Del Rio, TX on the US-Mexico border — one of the most remote Air Force postings with extreme heat, a close-knit aviation community, and the lowest cost of living of any pilot training base.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
4,100
Active Duty
1,500
Civilian
500
Population
50,000
Economic Impact
$300 million
Laughlin AFB History
Named AfterFirst Lieutenant Jack Thomas Laughlin
Laughlin Air Force Base near Del Rio, Texas, was activated in 1942 as a World War II training field. Named after First Lieutenant Jack Laughlin, a local pilot killed in action, it has served as a pilot training base for most of its history. Today Laughlin is home to the 47th Flying Training Wing and is one of the highest-volume undergraduate pilot training bases in the Air Force. Its dry climate and uncongested airspace make it ideal for year-round flying training operations.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
47th Flying Training Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Established as Laughlin Army Air Field
1952
Designated Laughlin Air Force Base
—
View Key Moments
(2)
1942
Established as Laughlin Army Air Field
The installation was established in 1942 near Del Rio, Texas, as a WWII pilot training base. It was named for First Lieutenant Jack T. Laughlin, a Del Rio native and B-17 pilot killed over Java in January 1942 — one of the first Texans killed in WWII.
1952
Designated Laughlin Air Force Base
Laughlin was redesignated as a permanent Air Force base in 1952 and established as a jet pilot training installation. It has trained pilots continuously since the Korean War era and remains one of the Air Force's primary undergraduate pilot training bases.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Laughlin AFB.
Laughlin AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Laughlin AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Laughlin AFB.
Information
17 of the Best Laughlin AFB Things To Do
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Information
Laughlin Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Information
Laughlin AFB Housing: 5 On-Base Options
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Information
20 of the Best Restaurants Near Laughlin AFB
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Military News
Laughlin community renames STEM school after Vietnam veteran
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Laughlin AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
47th Force Support Squadron — Military Personnel Element (MPE) Customer Service
Phone
(830) 298-5276Hours
Mon–Thu: 0800–1600
In-Processing
The first step at Laughlin AFB is contacting the Military Personnel Element (MPE) Customer Service section in Building 246 to schedule required appointments. Finance in-processing is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 0900. Student pilots bring in-processing documents to the 47th Student Squadron Transition Office (Building 246) prior to MPF in-processing. All military personnel must bring complete personnel, medical, and financial records.
The Wing Commander's Welcome Newcomer's Orientation is held at the Laughlin AFB Library Student Activity Center (Building 223) on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 0715–approximately 1430. After-hours arrivals check in at Laughlin Manor (Building 454), the 24/7 lodging and arrival point.
Laughlin AFB is home to the 47th Flying Training Wing and conducts Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) in the T-6, T-38, and T-1. Located near Del Rio, TX on the Texas-Mexico border, the small town environment means the base community is especially close-knit.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Laughlin AFB.
On-post family housing at Laughlin AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Given Laughlin's remote location 6 miles outside Del Rio, Texas, on-post housing is particularly popular with families. The on-post neighborhoods offer 2–4 bedroom homes and a close-knit community atmosphere that defines most remote training base assignments. Del Rio, Texas is a small b…
Local Market
$900/mo
rent
/
$175,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Laughlin AFB
75
25% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Laughlin AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
1
Middle Schools
View schools
1
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Laughlin AFB is a pilot training installation on the Rio Grande near Del Rio, Texas — one of the most remote Air Force bases in the continental US. Del Rio is a small border city with strong Mexican cultural influence, and the US-Mexico border crossing into Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, is an integral part of local life. Lake Amistad National Recreation Area on the Rio Grande is a major quality-of-life asset.
Del Rio
Small Town
The city of Del Rio is the only significant off-post community for Laughlin families. Val Verde County Schools serve the area. The city has a Walmart, HEB, and basic services. Lake Amistad provides world-class bass fishing, water sports, and camping. Del Rio's border character, with regular crossings into Acuña for dining and shopping, adds a unique cultural dimension to life here. BAH provides comfortable housing at Del Rio's low cost-of-living.
Commute: 10 min
Schools: San Felipe Del Rio CISD
Families with kids
Single service members
Outdoorsy types
Budget-friendly
Lake Amistad recreation, border culture experience, very affordable housing, tight-knit Laughlin community, excellent fishing
Bracketville area
Rural
Small communities along US-90 east of Del Rio, including Bracketville and Uvalde corridor, appeal to families wanting to homestead in ranching country. Kinney County Schools serve Bracketville. The trade-off is a longer commute and minimal local services, but large lots and acreage are available at very low prices. Families who want to own land in the Texas Hill Country edge of Val Verde County find excellent value.
Commute: 35 min
Schools: Bracketville ISD / Uvalde CISD
Outdoorsy types
Budget-friendly
Pet owners
Texas ranch country living, large affordable acreage, Hill Country character, hunting and outdoor lifestyle
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Laughlin AFB.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Texas has no state income tax. All military pay, special pays, and retirement income are fully exempt. Texas is one of t…
Spouse Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax. Military spouses living in Texas are not subject to Texas income tax regardless of their…
Vehicle Registration
Texas charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchases. Active duty military members who are legal residents of anot…
Property Tax
Texas has no state income tax but relatively high property tax rates — typically 1.5%–2.5% of appraised value depending…
Pet Policies at Laughlin AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Laughlin AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Laughlin AFB.
Commissary
1
Laughlin AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
47th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Laughlin AFB.
01
Are the base gates open 24 hours?
All 1 gates at Laughlin AFB operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access levels vary by gate — some are restricted to military and DoD ID holders only.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Laughlin AFB.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Laughlin AFB.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.