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	51st FW stands up innovation cell
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        <h1 class="title">51st FW stands up innovation cell</h1>
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            <img src="https://media.defense.gov/2023/Dec/28/2003366757/1920/1080/0/231219-F-XO977-1172.JPG"
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                 alt="U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Covert, 694th Intelligence Support Squadron Airman, participates in problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. This training allows the MustangWERX innovation team to encourage Airmen to brainstorm ideas and utilize problem solving skills to more effectively complete daily tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)"
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                <div class="image-title">51st FW stands up innovation cell</div>
                <div class="image-caption">U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Covert, 694th Intelligence Support Squadron Airman, participates in problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. This training allows the MustangWERX innovation team to encourage Airmen to brainstorm ideas and utilize problem solving skills to more effectively complete daily tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)</div>
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            <img src="https://media.defense.gov/2023/Dec/28/2003366758/1920/1080/0/231219-F-XO977-1187.JPG"
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                 alt="U.S. Airmen from the 51st Fighter Wing participate in problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. The training is hosted by the MustangWERX innovation team, and is offered as a professional development opportunity intended to educate the base population on how to single out inefficiencies in their respective career fields. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)"
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                <div class="image-title">51st FW stands up innovation cell</div>
                <div class="image-caption">U.S. Airmen from the 51st Fighter Wing participate in problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. The training is hosted by the MustangWERX innovation team, and is offered as a professional development opportunity intended to educate the base population on how to single out inefficiencies in their respective career fields. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)</div>
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                 alt="U.S. Airmen from the 51st Fighter Wing prepare for an exercise during a problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. The exercise simulated the administrative tasks behind scheduling medical appointments, allowing students to identify weaknesses within the processes. Learning how to identify problems provides an opportunity for Airmen to search for areas of improvement in their daily operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)"
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                <div class="image-title">51st FW stands up innovation cell</div>
                <div class="image-caption">U.S. Airmen from the 51st Fighter Wing prepare for an exercise during a problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. The exercise simulated the administrative tasks behind scheduling medical appointments, allowing students to identify weaknesses within the processes. Learning how to identify problems provides an opportunity for Airmen to search for areas of improvement in their daily operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)</div>
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                 alt="U.S. Airmen from the 51st Fighter Wing listen to a briefing during a problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. The training was hosted by the MustangWERX innovation team, and educated the base population on identifying inefficiencies and innovating in their respective career fields. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)"
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                <div class="image-title">51st FW stands up innovation cell</div>
                <div class="image-caption">U.S. Airmen from the 51st Fighter Wing listen to a briefing during a problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. The training was hosted by the MustangWERX innovation team, and educated the base population on identifying inefficiencies and innovating in their respective career fields. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)</div>
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                 alt="Members of the 51st Fighter Wing MustangWERX innovation team discuss ideas during a sprint at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 8, 2023. The ideas were discussed with the intention of empowering Airmen to address ineffective processes in the operational environment and improve the 51st FWs ability to execute the “Fight Tonight” mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)"
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                <div class="image-title">51st FW stands up innovation cell</div>
                <div class="image-caption">Members of the 51st Fighter Wing MustangWERX innovation team discuss ideas during a sprint at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 8, 2023. The ideas were discussed with the intention of empowering Airmen to address ineffective processes in the operational environment and improve the 51st FWs ability to execute the “Fight Tonight” mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)</div>
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                 alt="U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Connelly, 51st Fighter Wing innovation officer, poses for a photo during a sprint at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 8, 2023. The MustangWERX innovation team hosts weekly sprints to prompt innovative thinking in a solution-oriented environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)"
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                <div class="image-title">51st FW stands up innovation cell</div>
                <div class="image-caption">U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Connelly, 51st Fighter Wing innovation officer, poses for a photo during a sprint at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 8, 2023. The MustangWERX innovation team hosts weekly sprints to prompt innovative thinking in a solution-oriented environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)</div>
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    <div><b>By Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal,</b> <span class="date">/ Published Dec. 29, 2023</span></div>
    <span class="dateline-text">OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea, </span>
    <p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">With prioritizing innovation at the forefront of its strategic objectives, the 51st Fighter Wing marked a significant milestone by standing up its new wing innovation cell, the MustangWERX office, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 22, 2023.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">This initiative signals a new era of enhanced capabilities and forward-thinking approaches within the wing.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">"Innovation is not just a buzzword at the 51st FW, it's the backbone of our operational superiority and efficiency," said U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 51st FW deputy wing commander. "Our Airmen's ability to transform creative ideas into tangible enhancements in manpower and resource utilization is essential. This innovative mindset is our greatest asset, equipping us with the agility and adaptability to meet any threat head-on."</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Connelly, 51st FW innovation officer, is at the forefront of the MustangWERX office. He emphasized that innovative thinking will be pivotal in resolving challenges, optimizing expenditures, and streamlining processes.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">"The MustangWERX office is focused on process improvement,” said Connelly. “Our mission revolves around three key pillars: education, cultivation, and recognition. The focus is on harnessing these elements to better leverage the 51st FW’s limited resources, manpower, and finances. This is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and staying ahead of evolving challenges."</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Since its establishment, the WERX team has been fostering innovative thinking through various events, including a series of innovation sprints and problem identification training.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Sprints provide a platform for Osan Airmen to propose creative solutions and foster dialogue on enhancing mission effectiveness. These open forums are catalysts for encouraging innovative thinking across the base.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">During problem identification training, participants engage in exercises to hone skills in recognizing issues within unfamiliar processes. This training is instrumental in educating base personnel on the most effective methods to identify problems.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">“Throughout the Air Force, events like these are fostering change,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brittany Bell, 51st Munitions Squadron training supervisor. “By leveraging the insights of Airmen who face daily inefficiencies, we’re driving substantial improvements, and making a difference.”</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Innovative initiatives are vital in enhancing efficiency and elevating the “Fight Tonight” mission. MustangWERX is quickly becoming a central pillar at Osan, marking a new era in the wing’s approach to problems and problem solving.</span></span></p>
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