CAFB’s Spark Cell creative hub

Columbus (Miss.) Air Force Base’s Spark Cell laboratory was designed to be a creative hub for finding solutions to problems, building innovative tools and processes, and learning anything from 3D printing to flying patterns in a T-6 Texan II. The use of the Spark Cell is consistent, and the impact is already being felt with 15 Airmen visiting weekly to work on projects. Its purpose is to cultivate ideas and connect with other innovators so CAFB can create solutions for the betterment of the Air Force. It’s a place for personal and professional development to help the AF and the wing get better, he explained. An example of how to use the space effectively is learning how to program computer applications to create a solution to a problem. Several projects are being worked, but the ‘Check Six’ podcast project was the first completed, according to Maj. Ryan Brewer, 14th Flying Training Wing’s director of innovation. They’re always looking at other opportunities for the podcast to expand from its main T-6 Texan II topics. Another project showing potential at the Spark Cell is the collaboration effort with communications specialists from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., to create a program that helps edit and create enlisted and officer performance report bullets. “We are doing a lot of neat collaboration with other training bases on a weekly basis,” he said. Spark Cell will be conducting another in-depth 3D printing class on Dec. 5. Opportunities will continue to open in January 2019. Brewer encourages people to start bringing in ideas to Spark Cell meetings every Friday at noon so they can be a part of the innovation team. (Source: 14th Flying Training Wing 11/30/18)