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The 51st Fighter Wing’s commitment to innovation soared to new heights with Mustangwerx, the innovation cell at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, earning two Air Force level innovation awards during Aether Sprint in St. Louis, Missouri, March 28, 2024.

Established in November 2023, Mustangwerx exemplifies the 51st FW’s commitment to prioritizing innovation as a fundamental aspect of its strategic goals. At the Aether Sprint competition, two members assigned to Osan AB presented two distinct innovations, showcasing the event’s aim to afford frontline Airmen a chance to share their insights and expedite the development of solutions.

Out of 37 entries, two innovations from Osan AB were selected for adoption at the Air Force level: Project CLAWS (Compact Loading Adapter Wench System) and Project Weapon. Both projects focus on aircraft armament and reclaiming pallet space for mission planners.

“It feels amazing knowing that this project has made it this far and will continue on,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kahlil Bashir, 51st Munitions Squadron armament alternate mission equipment section chief. “It has been a long road getting our project to where it is now, but I am thrilled that we have proven the capability of CLAWS and how it can benefit our forces, especially in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.”

Since its commencement, Mustangwerx has organized 24 events such as innovation sprints and problem identification training to encourage Airmen at Osan AB to find solutions to any problems they may have. So far, these initiatives have resulted in the launch of 11 projects, contributing to approximately 13,440 work hours saved and cost avoidance of approximately $140,000 for the installation.

“Of our participants, just over two thirds are tactical level individuals, with a bulk of them being staff and technical sergeants,” said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Connelly, 51st FW innovation officer. “It’s crucial to involve those most affected, as their input directly influences how the work progresses. Given our constraints of time and resources, prioritizing their involvement is essential.”

The Mustangwerx team’s dedication has established it as a key player at Osan AB, marking a shift in the wing’s problem-solving approach. The Air Force level innovation awards reaffirms the 51st FW’s commitment to innovation, cementing its reputation for progressive solutions and operational excellence.

“I would like to encourage anyone to visit the Mustangwerx innovation cell and bring those ideas you have,” said Bashir. “Even if it seems like an impossibility, there is always a path to bring ideas to life.”

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla. — In a landmark effort to enhance space rescue capabilities across international lines, the First Air Force (Air Forces Space), Det. 3 Instructor Cadre, recently conducted an extensive Rescue Force Qualification Course. The training, held from April 2-10 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, included three Royal Canadian Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) techs and Pararescue Specialist from the 38th Rescue Squadron out of Moody AFB, Ga.

The course aimed to prepare rescue forces for alert posturing and potential contingency rescues during NASA space launches. Major Justin Colby, the Commercial Crew Program Director for Det. 3, stressed the importance of readiness for space emergencies. “The primary purpose is to prepare our Guardian Angel forces to assist our NASA colleagues in the event of a launch or return emergency,” Colby stated. “It’s about ensuring that we have the capability to respond to any situation, anywhere, anytime.”

The training covered a range of critical skills, including space medicine basics, using a practice spacecraft analogue for crew capsule functionalities, astronaut extrication techniques, spacecraft hazard identification, and capsule up-righting drills. The inclusion of Canadian personnel and two Canadian Space Agency astronaut observers aligns with NASA’s initiative to broaden potential contingency rescue force options for Commercial Crew Program launches.

Sergeant Morgan Boutilier, a Royal Canadian Air Force Search and Rescue Technician from the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, highlighted the significance of the training. “This is the first time that we, as Canadian SAR technicians, have had the opportunity to participate in this type of training,” Boutilier said. “It’s a substantial deal for us, and it’s crucial for enhancing our joint operational capabilities.”

Master Corporal Darryn Wright-Ingle and Sergeant Myles Marcotte, also Royal Canadian Air Force SAR Technicians, emphasized the training’s benefits and the importance of understanding the operational dynamics of the Guardian Angels. “Knowing how they function as a team and their skill sets is a big asset to us,” Marcotte noted. “The training has been going well, and it’s vital for us to know how to integrate with the Guardian Angels on a mission. It’s all about ensuring the safety and quick recovery of astronauts should the need arise.”

The strategic importance of the training extends beyond skill development. It fosters international cooperation and ensures a robust, expedited recovery process in global rescue scenarios. “Having these networks and connections is going to be vital to executing the task of getting astronauts back to medical care as quickly as possible,” Boutilier concluded.

The joint training exercises underscore the dedication of the Department of Defense and NASA to the Human Space Flight mission, furthering the mission into deep space and beyond. The collaboration between the United States and Canada serves as a testament to the global effort to support astronauts and the exploration of space.