Airmen, industry come together for STRIKEWERX First Friday event

By Keefer Patterson | Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Air Force Global Strike Command’s innovation hub, STRIKEWERX, hosted its fourth First Friday event at the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, Louisiana, March 5.

STRIKEWERX hosts a First Friday event once a month dedicated to connecting Airmen with Industry, Academia and other experts to share knowledge with the goal of transforming the command. Conducted virtually, the event explored the latest developments in software defined radios and the technology behind it. Multiple private industry organizations such as Echo Ridge, LLC, RadioBro Corporation, and the Aerospace Corporation, presented on the topic.

“Organizations from Air Force Research Laboratory, Nuclear Command, Control and Communication Center, our command’s Strategic Plans, Programs & Requirements division, and others were getting to hear what these innovative engineers can do with software defined radios,” said Maj. Ryan Chapman, Air Force Global Strike Command Executive Chief Scientist. “This particular event was great. One small company, RadioBro, created by two brothers with engineering degrees, is bringing cutting edge technology to users across the Air Force.”

From advanced 3D printing to NC3 modernization, each First Friday brings a new topic of discussion to those in attendance.

“Anytime we can get industry experts and small businesses talking to AF users it’s awesome,” Chapman said. “A lot of the questions and breakout sessions from the virtual event helped link up new technology to AFGSC mission sets. I’m thankful STRIKEWERX is able to connect all the dots and put on a great event.”

The topic of discussion for April’s First Friday event will focus on data analysis and artificial intelligence.