Del Rio is a small town on the border that is 15 minutes from Laughlin AFB. The base has housing, a commissary, BX, small gas station, pool, gym (with indoor pool), dog park, CDC, youth center + elementary school. You have pretty much everything you need on base, but it is always fun to venture out into town for a bite to eat or a day at the lake.
Things to know about Laughlin Air Force Base
Moving to Del Rio was a big change for our family, but it didn’t take long to meet amazing people! We are all a long ways from home + it has been so fun making the most of our evenings cooking together, spending hot Saturdays at the lake, enjoying the Winery, getting pumped up for Drop Nights + everything in between. Meeting people can be daunting sometimes, but putting yourself out there is so worth it. The weather, the closeness of everything on base + the lasting relationships you make will be key to survival so enjoy every minute of it!
Alex
Since moving to Del Rio, I have loved embracing the culture, getting out of my comfort zone + meeting new people. The best part of my experience though has to be getting involved within our squadron. Whether it is showing up to socials, drop nights, WINNING CRUD TOURNAMENTS, or just spending time with all your other WAFs, the memories that will be made with those ladies are irreplaceable.
Chelsea
Del Rio taught me to enjoy the simpler things in life, like a well made cup of coffee, the beautiful west Texas sunset, or a good hot sauce. Del Rio runs at a slow small town pace, whereas UPT is go-go-go. At times it was difficult to find a balance between my husband’s schedule + my own. I learned quickly a go with the flow. During UPT making plans can seem near impossible, so take opportunities as they arise. We have made sweet memories bowling (with our unofficial team), enjoying afternoons at the lake, a Saturday morning movie + a weekly bite out to eat. Live life simple + love every minute of it.
Mackenzie
Since moving to Del Rio I have learned that it doesn’t matter how far we may be from a Target, the friends you meet and the memories you make are what make this small training base truly special. I’ve adopted putting myself out there + having a “yes man” attitude since moving to Laughlin. I say yes to everything + have met some of the most amazing people, that I pray we run into again further down my husband’s career! Drop nights, afternoons at the lake + Saturday morning mimosas with my besties are things I will never take for granted.
Morgan
Looking for more specific recommendations from the WAF community on topics like best neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, or doctor recommendations – join the conversation in our private Facebook group of incredible WAFs!
In an effort to better serve every WAF across all branches, and with the help of some amazing other WAFs, we’ve curated branch specific Facebook groups. You can find your branch’s group by joining the general WAF Facebook page and then clicking “visit group”.
