Acquisition & Sustainment Excellence

Alyssa Heaton, a computer scientist in the 309th Software Engineering Group, checks out software upgrades as she “flies” in an F-16 simulator over Las Vegas, Nev. The 309th Software Engineering Group has a positive and direct impact across multiple essential platforms such as the A-10, F-16, F-22, F-35, Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, Space Systems, and Command and Control. U.S. Air Force photo by Alex R. Lloyd

Ogden ALC Named Top Air Force Maintenance Depot Eric Fox, Ogden ALC’s vice director, gives all the credit to the 75TH AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS (APRIL 5, 2021) women and men of the Ogden Complex, and said the award Donovan Potter highlights their exceptionalism and commitment to the nation. HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah—The Ogden Air Logistics Complex won the 2020 Maintenance Effectiveness Award “To me, a key element that is highlighted by the award is our recognizing it as the top depot in the Air Force. people,” Fox said. “When you see a list of all the things that were accomplished, what put us over the top is they clearly The award is presented annually to the unit that most demonstrated the Ogden team is dedicated to producing successfully managed resources to provide safe and readiness for the warfighter, especially during a year impacted serviceable equipment for sustained use in peacetime and in so many ways by COVID-19.” wartime. Fox said they were able to break through constraints and use During this past year, the complex managed 8.2 million innovative ways to stay very close to planned production maintenance hours to repair and overhaul 264 A-10, C-130, because of the Ogden ALC team member’s exceptional F-16, F-22, F-35, and T-38 aircraft; 3,904 missile items; 62,836 commitment to the nation. commodity repairs; and provided software sustainment for seven major commands, an air reserve component, and 27 “I want to pass on a thank you on behalf of General von international partners. Hoffman [ALC commander], Col. Hall Sebren [ALC vice commander] and myself, to the women and men of the

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complex and their outstanding leaders at all levels, who made this award possible,” he said. “Their professionalism is an integral part of the Air Force team that protects our nation.”

The Ogden ALC employs 8,970 military, civilian, and contract personnel in 155 job series at Hill AFB and at 10 remote locations in the United States and Japan. The scope of responsibility includes depot repair and maintenance; overhaul and modification of Air Force aircraft; the Minuteman ICBM system; and a variety of commodities, software, and aircraft storage and regeneration.

Air Force Research Laboratory Engineer Receives Vaught Visionary Leadership Award AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (APRIL 6, 2021) Mary Pacinda WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—Diane Buhrmaster, Coatings Technology Team Lead for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, was awarded the 2020 Brigadier General Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award in the Civilian Category.

This annual award was created in honor of General Vaught for her outstanding service and dedication to the Air Force and the nation. It is presented to an officer (O-6 and below), enlisted person (E-9 and below) and a civilian (GS-15 and below) to Diane Buhrmaster, engineer at the Air Force Research recognize that individual’s visionary leadership, innovative Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, efforts, and beneficial effect on the U.S. Air Force. received the 2020 Brigadier General Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award in the Civilian Category. Buhrmaster was nominated partly on the basis of her U.S. Air Force courtesy photo leadership role as a charter member of Air Force Women in Science and Engineering (AFWiSE). Perhaps more importantly, Buhrmaster, as senior materials engineer, has been heading Buhrmaster, however, would be the first to make it clear that up a research team that has made great progress eliminating she isn’t doing the work only for the awards. hexavalent chromium from aircraft coatings — a top Secretary of Defense priority. “I work to do a good job and to move things forward,” she said, “and to have an impact that really helps the military guy or gal Chromium-based compounds have been used for corrosion who’s out there doing whatever their mission is and make sure protection of aircraft surfaces since before World War II. they get home.” Because they have been identified as extremely hazardous to both the environment and human health, chromium coatings Buhrmaster further stresses that the award is not the true are being phased out. Buhrmaster’s role as team leader to find reward for a job well done, either for her or her team. The a suitable replacement coating has not only provided benefit reward is “making sure that these people who are someone’s to the Air Force, but to industry as well. children, someone’s son or daughter, someone’s spouse — someone’s loved one — comes back in at least the same This is hardly Buhrmaster’s first achievement award. In 2019, condition that they left in. That’s the focus. That’s why we she received the Air Force Science, Engineering, and Technical do it.” Management (STEM) Award, in the Mid-Career Civilian category. In 2018, her team received the Air Force Research An alum of both Wright State University and the University of Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Dayton, Buhrmaster has 20 years of science and engineering International Team Award. In that same year, she was awarded experience supporting AFRL’s technology development in the Robert T. Schwartz Engineering Achievement Award. various aspects of aircraft coatings.

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The director of AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Natural Resources Conservation, Large Installation: Eglin Air Directorate, Timothy J. Sakulich, congratulated Buhrmaster. Force Base, Florida — Developed a four-pronged approach to gopher tortoise conservation. Through a fiscal year “Diane is an exceptional leader whose character, dedication, 2020 memorandum of agreement with the Florida Fish and and innovative spirit is a role model for others,” said Sakulich. Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Fish and “She continues to be a pioneer in turning the art of the possible Wildlife Foundation, Eglin became the primary recipient into high-impact, practical solutions for the Air Force. Her site for gopher tortoise populations that alternative energy efforts have specifically enabled the performance and production had displaced across Florida. During FY 2019- availability of U.S. Air Force aircraft and support equipment 2020, conservationists moved more than 2,300 gopher in ways that are more affordable and environmentally smart — tortoises to the installation, and Eglin is on track to reach its and she is mentoring and inspiring the next generation of talent goal of receiving 6,000 tortoises by 2023. along the way. Diane truly epitomizes the qualities celebrated by this prestigious award.” 2

About AFRL Environmental Quality, Industrial Installation: Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California — Partnered with The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office to remove vegetation research and development center for the Department of the obstructions in the runway clear zone. By re-scoping the project Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, and conducting a new, streamlined National Environmental development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies Policy Act environmental assessment, the installation lowered for our air, space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more the project’s cost from $20 million to $7.8 million. than 11,000 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and 3 technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit: http://www. Environmental Quality, Overseas Installation: Yokota Air Base, afresearchlab.com. Japan — Employed an environmental inspection process that reduced the need for one-time shop ramp-ups for inspections. DoD Announces 2021 Environmental Award Winners The team performed more frequent inspections spread DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NEWS (APRIL 22, 2021) throughout the year, which resulted in a smoother, more David Vergun balanced workload. In FY 2020, Yokota Air Base conducted 174 The Defense Department announced the winners of the 2021 environmental inspections and identified or corrected 17 out of Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards today. 19 significant discrepancies, which increased environmental compliance by 90%. The awards recognize installations, teams, and individuals for their accomplishments in innovative and cost-effective 4 environmental management strategies that support mission readiness. Sustainability, Non-Industrial Installation: U.S. Army Garrison Fort Polk, Louisiana — Used advanced technologies to reduce On tackling the climate change crisis, Secretary of Defense energy and water use; increased the installation’s resilience Lloyd J. Austin III said: “We will elevate climate as a national through renewable onsite resources; and reduced greenhouse security priority, integrating climate considerations into the gas emissions from transportation, facilities, and construction. Department’s policies, strategies, and partner engagements. Focusing on energy resilience and efficiency, Fort Polk invested $13 million in funding for advanced technology projects during “Three priorities — defending the nation, taking care of our FY 2019-2020 to expand microgrids, energy storage, electric people, and succeeding through teamwork — will guide our vehicles, building control integration, and infrastructure efforts,” he added. improvements.

In 2021, the DoD selected the following eight winners from 5 27 nominees: Sustainability, Individual/Team: Naval Supply Systems 1 Command, Weapon Systems Support, Pennsylvania — Created a new, fast-track ordering process using the Weapon

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Students from the Comprehensive Environmental Training and Education Program at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., wearing hazardous materials suits. U.S. Marine Corps photo

Systems Support Hazardous Material Management Tool to and construction managers worked closely with the Cultural automatically approve the purchase of sustainable products Resources Management program staff to retain the historic from the Navy-wide Green Authorized Use List. The team building’s character and features while providing a modern published standard operating procedures and technical workspace for the new occupant, Naval Base Point Loma’s guidance for the new order system. Security Department.

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Environmental Restoration, Installation: Shaw Air Force Cultural Resources Management, Individual/Team: Base, South Carolina — Completed two years of intensive Thomas E. Penders, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida — Led Installation Strategic Acquisition Planning, which resulted six archaeological surveys, saving the 45th Space Wing an in the early awarding of a multiyear $16.3 million Optimized estimated $480,000. The surveys paved the way for the use Remediation Contract in August 2020. The three restoration of lands for the development of critical defense and launch projects achieved a record 10 site closeouts, two response programs identified in the 45th Space Wing General Plan complete milestones, and 11 optimized remedies. while complying with the National Historic Preservation Act and Archaeological Resources Protection Act. 7 Each year since 1962, the Secretary of Defense Environmental Cultural Resources Management, Small Installation: Naval Awards have honored service members and civilians across Base Point Loma, California — Rehabilitated the Post Exchange DoD. The nominees’ achievements include significant strides and Gymnasium Building 158, a premier historic structure. to conserve the nation’s natural and cultural resources; protect Contractors, historic buildings architects, design managers, human health; prevent or eliminate pollution at the source;

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Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021’s ceremony was held virtually. Recipients, shown clockwise from upper left, are: Doyle Edwards, Dr. Joey Mead, Dr. Jeremy Ward, and Dr. Courtney Taylor. Photo courtesy NextFlex clean up hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants, Dr. Jeremy Ward was one of four recipients of the Fellow and munitions on DoD sites; and incorporate environmental Award, which, according to its website, recognizes those requirements into weapon systems acquisition. “who have made significant contributions toward furthering the development of the FHE … [and who] work in expanding DoD also leverages technology to develop innovative solutions learning programs nationally, guiding development of to existing and emerging human health and environmental human health monitoring projects and leading advanced challenges. A diverse panel of 47 judges from federal and manufacturing and flexible electronics from a materials and state agencies, academia, and the private sector evaluated industry perspective.” nominations from DoD components to help determine the winners. Ward was recognized for his work as Advanced Development Team Leader, Soft-Matter Materials, in AFRL’s Materials and AFRL Materials Scientist Receives NextFlex 2021 Manufacturing Directorate. His award citation praised his Fellow Award strong support of NextFlex since the institute’s formation in AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (APRIL 26, 2021) 2015. It also mentioned his service as government co-lead Mary Pacinda of the Human Health Monitoring Technical Working Group WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—An Air Force until 2020. Research Laboratory scientist here has received a 2021 Fellow Award from NextFlex, America’s Flexible Hybrid Electronics “This is an exciting time for FHE and advanced manufacturing, (FHE) Manufacturing Institute. as we drive forward toward commercialization of the technology,” said Dr. Malcolm Thompson, NextFlex executive director. “All four recipients [of this award] have been

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instrumental in not only guiding and advising on this path, but 2020 SE&TM Outstanding Performers Named helping to expand and advance the awareness, development, 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs (April 27, 2021) and participation in this field.” HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah—Team Hill recognizes the 2020 science, engineering, and technical management outstanding Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021’s ceremony was performers. held virtually. The video can be accessed on YouTube. Hill AFB recognizes individuals and teams for their outstanding In his brief acceptance speech, Ward said he was honored in contributions in the categories below. These local individuals being recognized. He went on to relate that when he graduated have excelled with STEM-related responsibilities supporting with his Ph.D. and was looking for career opportunities, he the nation’s warfighters, improving the tools and systems they came across NextFlex in one of his searches. Although it use. seemed like an interesting place to work, he didn’t end up employed there. Nonetheless, he eventually became part of Junior Military Scientist/Engineer: Air Force Sustainment the NextFlex community. “Circumstances have led me to be a Center – 1st Lt. Carlos Chavez, 2nd Lt. Emil Reinovsky; Air part of shaping and supporting this community,” he said, “and Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) – 2nd Lt. for that I’m very thankful.” Ben Helman, 2nd Lt. Nathan Lowe, 1st Lt. Timothy Nguyen; Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center – 2nd Lt. John Buckley He went on to thank others he worked with in “NextFlex proper,” as well as member companies and institutions. “For Mid-Career Military Scientist/Engineer: Air Force Life Cycle those who I have worked most closely with, please know that Management Center – Capt. David Eisensmith I appreciate you, as well as the dialogues, collaborations, and projects that we’ve had together. I’m looking forward to future Junior Civilian Scientist/Engineer: AFSC - Cole Badgasarian, engagements moving forward.” Nerehida Carranza-Saucedo, Brandon Bonke, Matt Larsen, Trevor Pratt; AFLCMC -William Cheng, Aaron Dabb; AFNWC Ward went on to explain that his role with AFRL is evolving - Sariah Cassidy, Ryan Chan and that he has been selected as a member of the AFRL Entrepreneur Opportunity Program (EOP). Mid-Career Civilian Scientist/Engineer: AFSC - Brian Randall, Timothy Romano, Nicholas Swerdon; AFLCMC – Eric Clark, “I will be exploring some commercialization of Air Force Jeremy Larsen, Mike Widner; AFNWC – Dennis Carrick, Technologies,” he said. “So as it aligns with the NextFlex Nathan Plank community and mission, I look forward to engaging with you in new ways. Thank you again.” Senior Civilian Scientist/Engineer: AFSC – Eddie Diehl, John Gillespie, Nathan Hughes; AFLCMC – Clayton Butler, Andy NextFlex is a Department of Defense innovation institute Schirack; Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) - Karl established in 2015 as a public-private partnership to pioneer Pernich, Sharen Wirkus a new model of “next generation” electronics manufacturing. One of its missions is to accelerate the development of Flexible Chief Engineer: AFSC – Thomas Fronberg, Joseph Jackson; Hybrid Electronics. AFLCMC – Gary Hebert, Lynn Silver; AFNWC – Kay Prescaro

About AFRL Technical Management: AFSC – Jeremy Grant, Raymond Park; AFLCMC - Preston Elizarde, Capt. Sergio Martinez, Lance The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary Mead, Michael Tolman; AFNWC - Matthew Gyte scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role Technical Management Team: AFSC - Engineering in leading the discovery, development, and integration of Management Review Work Aid Team – Jackson Andrasko, affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and Jeff Beazer, Rick Beery, Eric Dye, Austin Gardner, Kendric cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,000 Hornsby, Bryson Kent, Val Klemm, Sean Nipping, Tiffany across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across Ruybal, Keith Schneider, Jeff Valentin; Strategic Equipment the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and Acquisition & Logistics (SEAL) Team – Kari Buckley, Zarela technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research Castro-Gutierrez, Troy Craine, J. Travis Francom, Ashley and technology development. For more information, visit: Gale, Blayne Gipson, Randy Lewis, Paul Neumann, Brian http://www.afresearchlab.com. Padelsky, Jason Poll; Strategic Missile Integrations Complex

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(SMIC) Team – Ramon Aguilar, Sean Drake, Alan Eddington, Vreeland, Justin Walker, Neal Wayment, Arthur Winter; Douglas Eriksen, Michael Fairbanks, Kristen Glines, Kirk AFLCMC-Bombs Team – Blake Adams, Megan Buelte, Nick Hanni, James Hays, Michael Hegland, Robert Mellor, Campbell, Richard Campbell, Debra Cope, Jared Costley, Brandon Nelson, Chase Nielsen, Michael Nielson, Jack Brock Despain, Francesca Durham, 2nd Lt. Ben Helman, Ross Olsen, Worth Petersen, Michael Ridenour, Thomas Rock, James, Dave Johnson, Joshua Joslyn, Joshua Keesler, Vincent Jeff Shelton, Daniel Simon, Susan Stewart, Martin Stott, Lepore, Nick O’Reilly, Mitchell Parker, Sara Parson, Chuck Kevin Tams, Zach Vander Wal, Craig Wolverton; Weather Seidel, Brian Sellers, Lt. Col. Greg Voth, Mike Weidner Information Network Display System (WINDS) – Vincent Chau, Jack Dam, Scott Larsson, Tran-Chau Nguyen, Scott General Lester L. Lyles Award: AFSC – Deborah Roach; ICBM Rawlings, Alexander Robinson, Ty Ung, Lan Vuu; AFLCMC - First Line Managers – Thomas Fronberg, Ryan Josephson; Advanced Radar Threat System Variant 2 (ARTZ V2) – Corey Talent Acquisition Team – Mason Adams, Craig Bodily, Clawson, Kimberly Covert, Melanie Crawford, Lindsey Field, Christopher Choi, Angela Fowers, Cynthia Pestotnik, Eric Jeremy Gard, Capt Lucas Hash, Britton Hayden, Melissa Peterson, Robert Robins, Nicole Taggart; AFNWC – Michael Hayhurst, Jeff Hockett, Xavier Holl, Lt. Col. Matt Horlacher, Simila Josh Livingston, Charlie Lovatt, Joe Myers, 1st Lt. Tim Nguyen, Wade Pilcher, Tim Rotert, Mike Tolman, Angela Capt Roland R. Obenland Engineering Memorial Award: AFSC Vance, Lt. Col. Patrick Webster, Eric Widdison, Rachael Zack; – 1st Lt. Jackson Laverman Countermeasures SPO – Matt Adams, Blake Bradford, Bret Burgon, Daniel Finsen, 2nd Lt. Miguel Garibay, Isaac Gougler, Outstanding Scientist – Team: AFSC – LG Innovation Team – Dr. David Hall, Jordan Huff, Robert Morgan, Steven Northrup, Joshua Auger, Michael Blommer, Jared Butterfield, Andrew Gerald Pehrson, Heather Schaefer, Andrew Schirack, Quincy Clark, Brian Fowers, David Frederick, Chad Hogan, Tony Hyer, Stevens; AFNWC – Strategic Missile Integrations Complex Brett Luckert, Brad Martin, Deidra Meier, Reed Merkley, Ronald Team –- Sonje Beal, Miles Rennick, Andy Orellana Montgomery, Jeffrey Naylor, Michael Schow, Steven Thorne, Gerald Wheeler; Virtual Threat Recognition and Avoidance Engineering Technician: AFSC – Wayne Child, Tanya Ormond, Trainer Team (VTRAT) – Kevin Bartholomew, Justin Chandler, Joedy Rodriguez; AFLCMC – Roy Tanner. Spencer Curley, Adrian Johnston, Landa McClure, Geoffrey Schulthess, Mark Stoker, David Stringham, Hyrum Taft Career Achievement: AFSC – Dan Christenson, James Richardson; AFLCMC – Tony Jarry; AFNWC – Salvador Herrera Outstanding Science and Engineering Educator: AFLCMC – Maj. Klayton Bobsein Reservist/IMA: AFLCMC – Maj. Oba Vincent Harold Brown Award: AFSC – Ian Vance Support: AFSC – Charles Ellis; AFLCMC – Connie Hadfield, Kevin Tucker Gorge Gonzalez Engineering Analysis Award: AFLCMC – Matt Fowers General James Ferguson Engineering Award: AFSC – Derek Benallie, Gerald Wheeler; AFLCMC – Allen Hancey; AFNWC Air Force Science and Engineering Award: [Advanced – Keith Lucas Technology Development] – AFSC - Hazardous Material Reduction Working Group – Caroline LeClair; [Engineering General Bernard P. Randolph Engineering Team Award: AFSC – Achievement] – AFSC - Tosh Farr Corrosion Control Engineering Team –Paul Gibson, Ty Harper, Andrew Orme, Matthew Schumann, Kenneth Walter, Alex Dr. Paul G. Kaminski Most Promising Systems Engineer of the Willie; KC-135/F-16 (Titan Engine) Hot Section Upgrade Year: AFSC – Jackson Andrasko Team – Robert Franke, Michael Garner, Cathy Knaus, Lance Moss, Tyrell Philpott, Spencer Terry, Joshua Ward, Robert General Lester L. Lyles Developmental Planning Engineer of Westcott, Jeffrey Wigington, Teva Williams, Bobby Yen; Take the Year: – AFSC – Kendric Hornsby Off and Landing Data (TOLD) Team – Jarom Bowen, Quinton Bridge, Greg Brubaker, Dane Carter, Spencer Fronberg, Jackie Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Hansen, Ian Johnson, Justin Kristensen, Brian McClellan, Outreach Champion: – AFSC – Jessica Collyer, Paul Nakayu, Robert Moreno, Nate Nelson, Sudie Roweton, Elora Royall, Phil Capt. Brennan Taylor Shimek, Logan Slade, Ronald Steeneck, Collin Tate, Matthew

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DoD Science & Technology Executive Committee To participate in the yearly ARAP Award Competition, DoD Announces Winner of FY21 Applied Research for programs or offices submit proposals for research areas that Advancement of S&T Priorities Program Award meet specific criteria. Some of the criteria that proposed DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NEWS (APRIL 28, 2021) research areas must meet include being eligible for applied The Department of Defense (DoD) Science and Technology research (BA-2) funding; addressing a specific technology or Executive Committee (S&T ExCom), coordinated by the capability gap; enhancing collaboration across DoD and the Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering, Services; presenting a realistic program management plan; or OUSD(R&E), is proud to announce the winner of the 2021 and demonstrating a clear pathway from research to product Applied Research for Advancement of S&T Priorities (ARAP) fielding. Program Award Competition. Air Force Awards First Airworthiness Approval for “After careful deliberation by the S&T ExCom, I am delighted Human Flight in AFWERX Agility Prime Electric to announce that we have selected ‘Surface Morphing and Aircraft Program Adaptive Structures for Hypersonics [SMASH]’ for this year’s AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY PUBLIC AFFAIRS (MAY 5, ARAP Award,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, principal deputy and acting 2021) director of Defense Research and Engineering for Research WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—The U.S. and Technology, and S&T ExCom Chair. “We look forward to Air Force has awarded the first airworthiness approval for a following the progress and accomplishments of the SMASH manned electric aircraft to BETA Technologies, a partner in effort leading into successful technology transition.” the AFWERX Agility Prime Program. This enables BETA to begin flying its ALIA aircraft in the Agility Prime program. The The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for airworthiness award from the Air Force is the latest milestone Space Technology (NCST) submitted the winning SMASH in BETA’s test program after recently entering its next phase proposal. The SMASH applied research program will advance of flight testing. and improve hypersonic systems’ performance, lethality, and durability by implementing adaptive geometry and smooth, “U.S. Air Force engineers spent more than a year examining flexible surfaces to enable superior lift, maneuverability, and BETA’s ALIA aircraft, evaluating its design and flight efficiency over conventional “rigid” boost-glide missiles, air- capabilities against the demanding MIL-HDBK-516C standard,” breathing cruise systems, and interceptors. said Camron Guthrie from BETA. U.S. Air Force personnel and subject matter experts evaluated the aircraft’s design NRL will lead a DoD research team that includes the Air Force and maintenance requirements along with the company’s Research Laboratory, Army Research Laboratory, and the operations and flight test plans. Missile Defense Agency, as well as 20 academic partners that are integrated with these labs. This three-year, $45M program “Electric aviation is a National Security priority and, fortunately, will support approximately 80 federal scientists and engineers this was recognized early by the Air Force. The speed and across these agencies as they seek to develop the necessary efficiency of the Air Force Agility Prime program to support materials, systems, and tools to increase hypersonic range, sustainable electric aviation has been remarkable,” said Kyle platform capacity, lethality, and maneuverability. Additionally, Clark, BETA’s founder and CEO. “The people and expertise that the program will support at least 20 new graduate students the Air Force has brought to the electric aviation industry, and who participate through the agencies’ academic partners. The specifically our ALIA program, is accelerating the development program will leverage the combined expertise and assets of of incredibly capable, safe, and reliable aircraft.” the entire DoD research enterprise to establish and maintain a technological edge for the warfighter in both the offensive With this airworthiness, the Air Force will have access to the and defensive use of hypersonic weapon systems. first of its kind, manned 7,000-pound class electric aircraft, and first of their kind immersive eVTOL simulators located in In total, the S&T ExCom received 17 submissions for this year’s Washington, D.C., and Springfield, Ohio. award competition and selected three teams as finalists. Each finalist team briefed the ExCom on their proposal. “We “This agreement will enable Air Force acquisition professionals appreciate the initiative, originality, and collaborative effort to make data-driven decisions informed by real assessments that each team displayed in developing a high-quality proposal, of military utility,” said Col. Nathan Diller, AFWERX director. especially during the pandemic,” said Lei. BETA’s aircraft simulation and training facilities allow Air Force pilots and engineers to experience the future of electric

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BETA’s ALIA, a aimulator in BETA’s Washington, D.C., facility is a fully immersive eVTOL flight simulator and training facility. Photo courtesy BETA vertical flight by rehearsing and testing the ALIA aircraft in a testing on the ALIA aircraft. This valuable data will advance variety of potential mission sets and scenarios. The advanced the flight test program safely while providing valuable insight urban air mobility technology simulator near the Air Force to the Air Force on a unique and novel aircraft design. Research Laboratory in Springfield, Ohio, provides easy access to the Air Force’s greatest technical experts and acquisition “Agility Prime is about creating a new path to adopt professionals. The Washington, D.C., facility provides an ideal advanced technologies in the Department of Defense by venue for future operational concept developers across the working with innovative companies like BETA in ways that Air Force, joint force, and interagency to conduct research enable new markets,” said Diller. “The engineering, test, and assessing the opportunities of the electrified future. These acquisition professionals in Air Force Materiel Command state-of-the-art simulators are physics-based and include have phenomenal expertise to help accelerate this and other weather, emergency handling, and mission scenarios with emerging markets.” multiple aircraft. In March, BETA advanced to the next phase of its flight Agility Prime seeks to expand technology transition paths testing program, completing an interstate flight with ALIA to accelerate emerging dual-use markets by leveraging from its Plattsburgh, New York, home airport test facility to government resources for rapid and affordable fielding. In the company’s headquarters near Burlington International a first-of-a-kind arrangement, AFRL engineers used unique Airport in Vermont. To abide by Federal Aviation Agency equipment and analysis capabilities to conduct structural protocols concerning the flight of experimental aircraft beyond

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Soldiers engage simulated enemies at Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 13, 2020, during a decisive action rotation. The rotations are designed to ensure Army brigade combat teams remain versatile, responsive and consistently available for current and future contingencies. Photo by Army Pfc. Brooke Davis designated test areas, BETA completed rigorous testing to technology development. For more information, visit: http://www. ensure reliable and predictable aircraft performance. In the afresearchlab.com. same week that ALIA flew its first interstate flight, BETA also set a new record for range and altitude in ALIA of 130 nautical About AFWERX miles and 8,000 feet respectively. AFWERX, a program office at the Air Force Research Laboratory BETA added to its growing customer list securing agreements (AFRL), connects innovators across government, industry, with BLADE and UPS for its ALIA aircraft and charging and academia. Through innovation and collaboration with our stations. BETA partners now span medical, logistics, defense, nation’s top subject-matter experts and harnessing the power of and passenger segments. ingenuity of internal talent, by expanding technology, talent, and transition partnerships for rapid and affordable commercial and About AFRL military capability. In 2020, Fast Company ranked AFWERX #16 of Best Workplaces for Innovators, alongside brands such as Microsoft, The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific Google, and Amazon. research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, On-Time Delivery Top Priority at Space Development development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies Agency for our air, space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NEWS (MAY 7, 2021) than 11,000 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations C. Todd Lopez across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and Cost, performance, and delivery drive acquisition across the technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and Defense Department, typically in equal measure. But the Space Development Agency has prioritized delivery above all

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else in its effort to get satellites into space that will deliver “Everything we do ties back to being able to do these main non-line-of-sight targeting to warfighters across the globe. mission areas,” Tournear said.

“The key thing is always to focus on getting these capabilities This year, Tournear said, the SDA, in partnership with the up and operational as rapidly as possible,” said Derek M. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Air Force Tournear, director of the Space Development Agency, during Research Laboratory, and the Missile Defense Agency, will an online discussion today with the Space Force Association. launch about five satellites in support of the NDSA that will “We will trade performance for schedule to make sure that demonstrate the capability of the future system. we can maintain that.” The Tranche 0 set of satellites—about 28 in all—will go up Budget professionals, Tournear said, are concerned about cost. in 2022 and 2023. It’ll give warfighters a taste of what’s to “They want to make sure that the cost is correct and under come, he said. control.” “The whole point of Tranche 0 is to demonstrate a capability And program managers are concerned about performance, so that the warfighter can start to use that in their tactics, he said. “They want to make sure that they can hit everything techniques, and procedures,” he said. ... they want to get the last ounce of performance out of their program as possible.” After that, expect to see a lot of launches as part of Tranche 1 — which will put as many as 150 satellites into the sky But delivery, or schedule, is about getting an acquisition beginning in September 2024. product to the end user on time. “That’s when we can actually start to affect a fight,” he said. “Who cares about schedule?” he asked. “The warfighter is the “We want the warfighter to already have been using our one that cares about schedule. No matter how good or how Tranche 0 satellites in their exercises, so they’re ready when affordable a program or platform is, if it is not there when you [Tranche 1 satellites] come online in 2024.” need it, it’s worthless ... we’re always focused on schedule. We’re going to get these capabilities up on time.” Tournear said right now SDA is locked in on all the important details to get Tranche 0 satellites into the sky. The Space Development Agency is working now on delivering the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA). That system “SDA is not messing around,” he said. “We have all of our includes hundreds of satellites, delivered in “tranches” every contractors on contract for Tranche 0 on firm-fixed-price two years, with each tranche providing more capability than contracts to push forward to deliver. September 2022 is when the last. we’re going to be launching these capabilities. We delivered the first two satellites. We delivered them to the launch vehicle The NDSA’s network of hundreds of optically connected nine months after we received funds. We’re all about speed.” satellites will deliver two primary capabilities to warfighters on the ground, Tournear said. 2020 Nuclear Deterrence, Missile Operations Awards Announced First is beyond line-of-sight targeting for ground and maritime SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS (MAY 19, 2021) time-sensitive targets, which includes mobile missiles and Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicolas Z. Erwin ships, for instance. The system will provide the ability to detect ARLINGTON, Va.—The Department of the Air Force recently those targets, track them, calculate a fire control solution, and announced the winners of the 2020 Nuclear Deterrence then deliver that solution down to a weapons platform so that Operations and the Nuclear and Missile Operations Award. the target can be destroyed. These awards recognize the accomplishments of Airmen “I want to do all of that in space, and I want to be able to close contributing to nuclear deterrence operations across the that chain in single-digit seconds — that’s what we’re focused Department of the Air Force and the achievements of officers on,” Tournear said. within the nuclear and missile operations career field.

The second capability is the same as the first, but for enemy “The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award Program missiles already in flight, he said. enhances the visibility of the many Airmen who support these operations and recognizes outstanding achievement across

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the nuclear enterprise,” said Lt. Gen. James C. Dawkins Jr., 2020 Nuclear & Missile Operations Field Grade Officer of the Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy chief of Year: Maj. Alex S. Rich staff. “These outstanding nuclear professionals have shown themselves to be the best of the best.” This award program has been administered and overseen by the Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy chief These nuclear professionals were selected from all major of staff since 2014. commands, unified combatant commands, and agencies, which includes the Air Force Reserve and Air National With Its Promise and Performance Confirmed, ABMS Guard. These individuals are authorized to wear the Air Force moves to a New Phase Recognition Ribbon. SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS (MAY 21, 2021) Charles Pope Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award Winners ARLINGTON, Va.—With senior Air and Space Force officials satisfied that the ambitious Advanced Battle Management 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Airman of the Year: System (ABMS) has met key benchmarks, they are pushing Senior Airman Jenny L. Rose the novel program into a new and more operational phase, bringing the system’s tools and technology one step closer to 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Noncommissioned being available for use in the “real world.” Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. John M. Rasband After 18 months exploring new ways to better connect the 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Senior joint force alongside a growing cadre of industry partners, the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Department of the Air Force is ready to move ABMS from the Andrew J. Rapsavage drawing board into the hands of warfighters.

2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Company Grade Officer “Nearly two years of rigorous development and of the Year: Capt. Samuel T. Darnell experimentation have shown beyond doubt the promise of ABMS,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Field Grade Officer of “We’ve demonstrated that our ABMS efforts can collect vast the Year: Maj. Mason W. Kehs amounts of data from air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, process that information, and share it in a way that allows for 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category I: faster and better decisions.” Jason A. Aven “This ability gives us a clear advantage, and it’s time to move 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category II: ABMS forward so we can realize and ultimately use the power Jerald L. Rogers and capability it will provide,” he said.

2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category III: Dr. In moving ABMS from a largely theoretical and development Gretchen R. Phelps status to one involving the acquisition of specialized equipment and more real-world testing, officials say this transition 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Guard or Reservist of demonstrates the benefits of pairing operators and engineers the Year: Master Sgt. Frances D. Christian in the development of cutting-edge warfighting technologies under an agile acquisition process. 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Professional Team of the Year: Global Strike Munitions Division, Air Force Global ABMS is the Service’s overarching effort encompassing a new Strike Command set of technologies, operational requirements, and warfighter integration efforts that will allow commanders and warfighters Nuclear and Missile Operations Award winners: to share more and better information faster and that has the potential to change the future of combat—much the way radar 2020 Nuclear & Missile Operations Operator of the Year: did nearly a century ago. Capt. David M. Barnhart A critical step in the progress of any military program, including 2020 Nuclear & Missile Operations Company Grade Officer ABMS, is the establishment of the manpower, resources, and of the Year: Capt. Jeffrey M. Mattheis doctrinal infrastructure that underpin the program. Charged

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A communications pod installed in a KC-46 Pegasus will allow the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor to connect and instantly receive and transmit the most up-to-date information to ensure the warfighters maintain decision superiority. This concept is known as Capability Release #1 under the Advanced Battle Management System framework. The ABMS is the Department of the Air Force’s contribution to Joint All Domain Command and Control, or CJADC2, a DoD effort to digitally connect all elements of the U.S. military—from sensors to shooters—across all five warfighting domains: air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. U.S. Air Force graphic with this task for ABMS, Air Force leaders stood up a cross- That broader effort is known as Joint All-Domain Command functional team and tapped Brig. Gen. Jeffery Valenzia to lead and Control (JADC2). As envisioned, JADC2 will allow U.S. the requirements and warfighter integration effort. forces from all Services — as well as allies and partners — to sense, make sense, and act upon a vast array of data and “Command and Control is as timeless as warfare — as the information faster than adversaries can detect and respond. character of war changes, so too does the art and science of C2,” Valenzia said. “In a data-dependent and data-saturated When fully realized, senior leaders say JADC2 will not only world, victory belongs to the side with decision superiority — underpin operations but will also provide deterrence and the the ability to sense, make sense of a complex and adaptive foundation for joint operations. When deployed, JADC2 will environment, and act smarter, faster, and better. allow U.S. forces from all Services, plus allies and partners, to orchestrate military operations across all domains, such as “ABMS will enable decision superiority by delivering that data sea, land, air, space, and cyber operations. — the digital lifeblood of modern warfare — to warfighters when and where they need it.” The requirements, technology, and integration efforts in development under ABMS will enable this concept by A top modernization priority for the Department of the Air simultaneously sensing, making sense of and acting upon, a Force, ABMS will be the backbone of a network-centric vast array of data and information from each of these domains, approach to battle management in partnership with all the fusing and analyzing the data with the help of machine learning Services across the Department of Defense. and artificial intelligence, and providing warfighters with

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preferred options at speeds not seen before. The Department partnership with the Army’s Project Convergence and the of the Air Force received $170 million this fiscal year for this Navy’s Project Overmatch, ABMS is intended to replace legacy effort and intends to bolster these resources over the next five stove-piped command and control and ultimately deliver joint years, underscoring both its importance and potential. force decision superiority.

While the new phase in the life of ABMS might seem AFRL Opens Space Warfighting Operations Research unglamorous and incremental, officials stress that it is and Development Laboratory significant for several reasons. In addition to moving the AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY PUBLIC AFFAIRS (MAY 24, program from largely developmental to one where equipment, 2021) software, and other components are purchased and installed Jeanne Dailey on aircraft and other hardware under the guiding hand of the KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.—The Air Force Research Department of the Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office, this Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate held a ribbon cutting latest effort allows Air Force and Space Force program officials ceremony May 20 to celebrate the opening of its newest to test a cornerstone element of ABMS — the ability to transfer facility, the Space Warfighting Operations Research and data from a central source to a diverse joint force. Development, or SWORD, laboratory.

As an initial step in this new phase, communications “pods” Col. Eric Felt, the director of AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate, will be designed and purchased and installed on a select hosted the event with AFRL Commander Maj. Gen. Heather number of KC-46 Pegasus tankers. Designers liken the “pods” Pringle as the presiding officer and keynote speaker. to internet hotspots that will allow, in this case, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II aircraft to “log on” and easily — instantly The SWORD Lab is a 26,000 square foot, $12.8 million state- — receive and transmit a wealth of data and information that of-the-art facility, with office and laboratory space that will previously was not available or, at best, hard to receive. house the 65 scientists, engineers, and support staff of the directorate’s Space Control Branch to better integrate R&D Randy Walden, Rapid Capabilities Office program executive programs focused on improving space warfighting capabilities. officer, said that in addition to outfitting KC-46s, which is known as Capability Release #1, “we’re also gearing up for “One of the reasons we stood up the U.S. Space Force was to major investments in digital infrastructure to shore up the ensure our nation has the capabilities to deter any threats in foundation of the Advanced Battle Management System.” space,” said Felt. “Our job in the SWORD lab will be to continue to develop resilient and innovative technologies that will “To build ABMS, you must first build the digital structures and protect our nation and allies from threats by our adversaries. pathways over which critical data is stored, computed, and Recognizing that space is an emerging domain for warfighting, moved. The Department of the Air Force needs a smart, fast, we want to make sure there is never a war in space.” and resilient ‘system of systems’ to establish information and decision superiority, and ABMS will be that solution,” he said. Felt explained that he likes to think of the work AFRL will accomplish in the SWORD lab through three lenses. Aside from the system’s embrace of a different warfighting philosophy and practice, ABMS is utilizing an approach to “First there is the research that our scientists and engineers developing the complex system that breaks with traditional will be performing,” Felt said. “We will be tracking objects defense approaches and practices. in the space domain to monitor and safeguard freedom of action from near Earth orbit to beyond geosynchronous orbit, Program managers say the goal is speed and utility, which which is becoming more and more challenging as the number means that some ABMS components are being developed of satellites increase. We will also invest in technologies to from products that can be derived from commercially available increase the resistance of satellite systems to cyberattacks, technology when applicable. It requires a close working and we will be working in the area of autonomy to enable relationship with industry partners and a willingness to push space systems to automatically detect and respond to threat experimentation of innovative ideas in order to learn what conditions faster than a human operator could achieve.” works and what doesn’t on short time horizons. Felt continued, saying that another lens is the “secret sauce” The impacts of ABMS extend far beyond just the Department of the lab – the scientists, engineers, and functional experts of the Air Force. Officials have billed it as the Air and Space who conduct some “in house” hands-on research, in addition Force’s contribution to the DoD’s vision for JADC2. In to awarding contracts to industry. He said they need this

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The Air Force Research Laboratory held a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the Space Warfighting Operations Research and Development laboratory May 20 at Kirtland AFB, N.M. Left to right: Ronnie DiCappo of Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Architects; Mark Roverse, AFRL Spacecraft Technology Division chief; Col. Eric Felt, AFRL Space Vehicles director; Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle, AFRL commander; Maj. Katrina Johns, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Brian Engberg, AFRL Space Control Branch chief; and Bradley Rieck, AFRL senior facility engineer. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jenna Bigham modern laboratory to continue their successes. The final lens “It’s wonderful to be in New Mexico again and what a great Felt mentioned is the partnerships AFRL has with industry, occasion,” Pringle said. “Our SWORD is sharp and we are business, and academia that would continue in the new ready to go. Our flag still flies, and it is great to see so many collaborative space. faces, as we’ve emerged out of COVID.”

“This is a laboratory for the nation, for AFRL, and the Air and Pringle complimented the AFRL visionaries who began Space Forces where new partnerships will be enabled,” Felt the planning for the SWORD laboratory 20 years ago. She said. “We want to bring people together to ensure we will congratulated the in-house research team, the Army Corps of continue to deliver innovation to the nation.” Engineers, and the design-build teams for their dedication to seeing the SWORD project to completion. In addition, Pringle The ribbon cutting ceremony was a milestone occasion for thanked the City of Albuquerque distinguished guests and Pringle who was making her first visit to her two technical units the New Mexico U.S. congressional field representatives for located on Kirtland—the Space Vehicles and Directed Energy attending the ceremony. Directorates. Pringle took command of AFRL, headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, in June 2020. Her visit to New “What happens next, Pringle continued, is we’ll have our Mexico was also a homecoming for the AFRL leader, who AFRL researchers, students and industry working side by had previously served as the base’s 377th Air Base Wing vice side thinking of new ways to benefit our Space warfighters to commander from May 2013 – May 2014.

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get our most important technologies out the door to support them. I am very excited to be a part of this SWORD lab.”

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit: http://www. afresearchlab.com.

AFRL Engineer Named as American Society of Mechanical Engineers Fellow AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (MAY 25, 2021) Rachel Simones WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—An aerospace engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Aerospace Systems Directorate was named an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Fellow, April 15, 2021, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Dr. Stephen Clay, a principal aerospace engineer with the Air Force Dr. Stephen Clay has worked for AFRL for 27 years, where Research Laboratory’s Aerospace Systems Directorate, was he has served as a research engineer on a variety of AFRL named an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) programs and projects. Fellow, April 15, 2021, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Courtesy photo “Working for AFRL provides countless opportunities to excel,” said Clay. “There have been so many people throughout my career that have mentored me along the way. Following their “I defined the strategy and led the tactical development of advice to step out of my comfort zone and try new things is progressive damage analysis for composite structures for the likely what led to this recognition. Successful engineers in Aerospace Systems Directorate,” said Clay. “The most notable AFRL are the ones with an entrepreneurial spirit.” accomplishment was the benchmarking exercise during which we evaluated nine emerging analysis methods being Clay’s career began in 1993 when he was accepted into the developed around the country. This led to my co-editing two Palace Knight Program by Wright Labs. He went on to earn Special Issues for the Journal of Composite Materials. AFRL a Master’s and Doctorate degree in Engineering Mechanics. built and is executing a new research portfolio based on the After furthering his education, he spent six years as a research technology gaps identified during this benchmarking exercise.” engineer in AFRL’s Advanced Structural Concepts Branch. By 2007, Clay had moved on to become the assistant to the Chief Clay’s recent achievement of being named an ASME Fellow Scientist at AFRL, where he worked under Dr. Don Paul. In speaks to his dedication to providing the operational warfighter 2009, he served as a research engineer, acting branch chief, with cutting-edge technology throughout his nearly three- and tech advisor in AFRL’s Analytical Structural Mechanics decade long career. Branch. Since 2012, Clay has served as a research engineer, branch technical advisor, and chief engineer for AFRL’s “ASME is one of the largest technical societies in the country,” Structures Technology Branch. Clay led several technological said Dr. John Russell, chief of the Aerospace Systems advancements during his decades-long career with the Directorate’s Structures Technology Branch. “It promotes Air Force. the art, science, and practice of multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe. Throughout his 27-

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year Air Force career, Clay has significantly contributed to Carolina State University, where he was commissioned as an the advancement of engineering technologies related to active duty Air Force officer. His eagerness to learn more led the design military aircraft structures, in particular for large him to earn his master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering integrated and bonded composite structures.” from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in March 2020, but he did not stop there. Hill is currently pursuing his Clay looks forward to contributing his technical expertise and Doctorate degree from AFIT, also in Aeronautical Engineering. career experiences to his new role within ASME. “My opening line during my thesis defense was ‘I love “Being honored as a Fellow in a professional organization hypersonics,’” said Hill. “Of course, I got a chuckle out of the contributes to AFRL being recognized as a world leader in room for saying such a candid statement in such a formal aerospace research,” said Clay. “Professional societies add setting with so many people present, but I was being genuine significant value to AFRL researchers and the scientific when I made that statement. I really do love hypersonics. Every community. They aid in the rapid dissemination of research moment I have spent over the past three years learning about findings, building networks of professional colleagues, the vast complexities of the field of hypersonic aerodynamics developing industry standards, promoting STEM education, has only better served to humble my pride and grow my desire and so much more.” to discover more. The thing I am most proud of in my career is being able to contribute to our understanding of this field Just as Clay has dedicated his career to technological that I love.” advances at AFRL, he is also committed to fulfilling his new title as Fellow. “He is a very personable, energetic, innovative, and productive research engineer,” said Dr. Michael Brown, chief “AFRL puts its people in a position to lead research across of the Hypersonic Sciences Branch. “He exemplifies the best broad technical area and influence research communities, not attributes of young officers attacking technology gaps.” only through our in-house and contracted research, but also our technical society interactions,” said Russell. “This is a great Hill’s vivacious personality and quest for knowledge allows him personal honor for Dr. Clay and well deserved.” to take on each task with enthusiasm. From planning themed parties for his family to taking on new research projects, Hill AFRL Researcher’s Passion for Hypersonics Propels puts his heart into each task he takes on. He once hosted a His Success murder mystery themed party for his wife’s birthday. AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (MAY 25, 2021) Rachel Simones Whether he is solving cases for fun or delving into scientific WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—An AFRL research problems, Hill loves seeking solutions. This passion researcher’s early interest in the applications of math to real- for research fuels his drive to be a successful hypersonics world problems, inspired by a passionate high school teacher, research engineer. set him on the path to a career in aeronautics and a need for speed. “I have been greatly blessed over the past year with my role in the directorate,” said Hill. “Ever since I was a sophomore 1st Lt. Jonathan “Luke” was raised by two parents who worked in undergrad, I knew that I wanted to become involved in as pharmacists, so he was initially interested in medicine as experimental aerodynamics and that I wanted to work on high- a young student. Once he reached high school though, his speed systems. I am now working in my dream job. I am in passion for mathematics blossomed. the unique position where I not only get hands-on in the wind tunnel research facility, but I also have been able to pursue Hill turned his enthusiasm for math into a career at the Air my own research towards my Doctorate degree, furthering Force Research Laboratory, where he was able to put his our understanding of high-speed phenomena. Having the problem-solving capabilities to the test as a hypersonic ability to get out of the office and tackle real problems on research engineer with AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate, physical hardware while also being able to complete research High Speed Systems Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force in a relevant field is a truly unique position for a young officer.” Base, Ohio. Hill’s military career thus far has been full of new adventures. Hill embarked on an educational journey to learn as much as Although Hill will be medically discharged in July 2021, he has he could about aeronautics. In December 2017, Hill completed packed a lifetime of experience into just a few, short years as his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from North an Air Force officer.

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“I entered the Service to do just that – serve,” said Hill. “I have been blessed with so many great opportunities in my short career and I intend to use those opportunities to better aid others. While I won’t be an active-duty member much longer, I plan to continue my service in other capacities and hope to be able to also become more involved in my local community here around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.”

Although Hill may not be an active duty service member much longer, he will continue to make an impact on the future of the Air Force.

“As I am sure many will already know, the field of hypersonics is one of the most pressing and important research areas of today,” said Hill. “I can proudly say that the research I have been able to complete and support in my research facility is working toward solving the problems of tomorrow. Our research is pushing the boundaries of our understanding and I often feel like we are writing the next chapters of aerodynamic textbooks. The work I perform allows me to provide insight to the Air Force into the behavior of critical aerodynamic systems and how they should be designed.”

Hill exemplifies the innovative, forward-thinking spirit of AFRL. His efforts throughout his military career will allow the operational warfighter to become more dynamic for future generations. 1st Lt. Jonathan “Luke” Hill, a researcher with AFRL, poses with his Dean’s List certificate he earned while attending the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Courtesy photo

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