Photo By Senior Airman Simonne Barker | U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing pitched their ideas to a...... read more read more
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In a display of creativity and ingenuity, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted an innovation competition, inspired by Air Force Research Laboratory’s “Spark Tank” program, where Airmen of all ranks pitched their ideas to a panel of base leadership and innovation experts.
The event allowed Airmen the opportunity to share their vision, as they are the ones who experience problems daily. Their creative solutions improve processes, enhance capabilities, and solve pressing challenges. This forward-thinking and introspection puts innovation at the forefront and enables the wing to look for ways to project combat power smarter, better, and faster.
The competition included six pitches by Airmen from various squadrons. Their creative ideas highlighted innovation in refueling, physical fitness, engines, mental health, transportation, and aeromedical pallets. These ideas could save money, time, and resources, or increase productivity.
“Deployed environments present unique challenges that make innovation even more crucial,” said Capt. Angela Magness, the innovation team leader. “Processes that worked at home stations might not work deployed, and as an organization, innovation helps us keep the competitive edge.”
This innovation competition not only showcased the creativity and vision of Airmen, but reinforced the Air Force’s commitment to maintain its unparalleled
capabilities, advancement, and ability.
The first-place winner of the Innovation Competition, Senior Airman Brandon Baxter from the 41st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, presented a solution for misaligned propeller flanges found when changing a propeller or engine on a C-130J Hercules. This innovation reduces chances of damaging equipment, saves man hours, manpower, and is cost-effective because the tool can be made with commonly found items in a maintenance shop.
“I am overjoyed that the panel chose my idea,” stated Baxter, “I am grateful that there is a platform like this one where our ideas are heard and brought to fruition.”
By empowering Airmen to think creatively and challenge the status quo, they will drive the Air Force to new heights and continue to solidify the wing’s position to project combat power at any time.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.23.2024 01:01 |
| Story ID: | 479087 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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