Laughlin Air Force Base has suspended all of its T-38 Talon flights through the Thanksgiving weekend following the deadly crash of one of its T-38s on Monday.
One pilot was killed and another was rushed to the hospital after a T-38 trainer crashed Monday afternoon about 14 miles northwest of the base.
“Our community has suffered the irreplaceable loss of one of our pilots,” Col. Charlie Velino, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, said in an Air Force statement. “The immediate concern is to provide support and love to his family, friends and colleagues. Our airmen and their families are incredibly important to us, and our top priority. For now, we will focus inward to make sure that our base community rallies around those who are suffering and need our support.
“During this Thanksgiving season, there is value in remembering the debt that we all owe to the brave men and women who serve in the military,” Velino continued. “The pilots who train at this base are truly the tip of the spear in securing our national defense, and we are grateful for their choice to serve in that pivotal capacity.”
The board of officers will investigate the cause of the crash. Names will be released after the next of kin have been notified.
“We are a close-knit family, and when a tragedy like this occurs every member of the U.S. Armed Forces feels it. Our people take top priority, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security,” said Col. Michelle Pryor, vice commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing.
