The U.S. Navy’s Training Air Wing Four is returning to Las Cruces International Airport for 60 days of training. Stationed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Training Air Wing Four will begin arriving July 20, with actual flight training beginning July 23.
Approximately 90 students, instructors and maintenance staff will utilize 16, T-6 “Texan II” aircraft in this year’s training exercise. Naval Air Station Corpus Christi has been training some of the world’s finest aviators since 1941.
Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said, “The Navy has an open invitation to come to Las Cruces for its training exercises, and we consider it a privilege to host them here. On behalf of the City, I look forward to welcoming them to Las Cruces.”
Airport Manager Lisa Murphy added, “We’re ready for the Navy. Airport FBO Francis Aviation has added about $500,000.00 in new equipment, and our staff will do whatever is needed to make the training exercise a success. We’ve always enjoyed a good working relationship with the Navy and look forward to its continuation.”
Locally, the hospitality and lodging industry is also looking forward to the Navy’s arrival. Ninety visitors for 60 nights translates into 5,600 hotel nights and plenty of meals and other spending. An exercise like this is a boost to the local economy.
City Economic Development Coordinator Gary Camarano noted, “In addition to the economic benefit, the Navy’s presence at the airport speaks volumes of the environment for other aerospace activity in the region. Our great weather, excellent facilities and a strong aerospace tradition is making Las Cruces a hub for the aerospace industry. Activity at White Sands Missile Range, Spaceport America and advancements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems are harbingers of great things to come, and the U.S. Navy is always welcome in Las Cruces.”
Las Cruces International Airport is located eight miles west of Downtown Las Cruces on Interstate 10 and is home to New Mexico State University’s Physical Science Laboratory and its UAS Testing Facility, and ARCA Space Corp., a manufacturer of air robots, rocket engines and space vehicles.
Information from city of Las Cruces