DEL RIO, TX – In a significant win for Texas's Congressional District 23 (TX-23), Congressman Tony Gonzales successfully secured substantial appropriations for military base improvements across his district, including funding to build new facilities for Laughlin Air Force Base's new jet trainer, the T-7 Red Hawk. The funding, included in the recently passed Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON/VA) bill, will address critical infrastructure needs at several key military installations.
"Just passed the MILCON/VA bill - lots of district wins!" Congressman Gonzales announced.
As a member of both the House Appropriations Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee, Gonzales has played a pivotal role in securing these funds.
The appropriations will fund a variety of projects across TX-23, including:
- JBSA Lackland AFB: $70 million of the $75 million requested will go towards new military training classrooms and a dining facility.
- JBSA Fort Sam Houston: $77 million allocated for the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) barracks.
- Laughlin AFB: $56 million designated for T-7A training facilities and $24 million for military housing.
- Fort Bliss: $44 million for improvements to the rail yard.
- San Antonio VA Community Living Center: Funding for the expansion lease to enhance veteran care facilities.
A major highlight for the district is the planned introduction of the T-7A Red Hawk aircraft at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio. The T-7A, set to replace the aging T-38C Talon, represents a significant upgrade in pilot training capabilities with its modern avionics and efficient design. The transition to the T-7A is expected to be completed by 2030.
The T-7A Red Hawk in 2-ship takeoff position
Ground operations of the T-7A Red Hawk
The T-7A Red Hawk in flight
T-7A Red Hawks in 2-ship. low level formation
The Air Force's strategic basing decision puts Laughlin AFB third of five installations in line to undergo this transition. Join Base Randolph in San Antonio and Columbus AFB in Mississippi will receive the first two rounds of new T-7s. Randolph is home of the Pilot Instructor Training, or PIT, and will open a pipeline of qualified T-7 instructor pilots for the ensuing basing of the new jet trainer.
The transition from the T-38C to the T-7A at Laughlin AFB will necessitate substantial infrastructure improvements, including:
- Construction of new pilot training, aircraft operations, and maintenance facilities.
- Development of a Ground Based Training System Facility, Unit Maintenance Trainer Facility, and hush house.
- Addition to the Egress Shop and construction of either 48 or 60 T-7A shelters.
- The projected personnel changes include an initial increase of 190 staff and 361 dependents during the 2030-2031 transition period, followed by a decrease of 60 staff and 114 dependents relative to current levels after 2031.
The plan is to base 63 T-7 Red Hawks at Laughlin AFB starting in 2030 and retire all T-38C Talons. In 2018, the Air Force awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract for 351 T-7A advanced trainers, 46 simulators and support.
For more details on the House Appropriations Committee's funding breakdown, you can refer to the committee's summary.
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