Raiderwerx assists the 28th Bomb Wing in creating new and innovative ideas

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Quentin Marx
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Raiderwerx, an innovation hub and maker space, held its official opening ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base Nov. 19, 2021.

“In order for Raiderwerx to work we need to foster a culture of innovation in which Airmen feel safe to test new ideas and are free to fail in their attempts,” said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Kenney, 28th Maintenance Squadron section chief and innovation director of Raiderwerx. “This organization is meant to encourage Airmen to develop unique skill sets by chasing their passions and be inspired to make positive changes in their work-centers.”

Raiderwerx provides educational tools to introduce Airmen to entrepreneurship, connect Airmen to industry partners, like minded innovators, and rapid prototyping to streamline innovation so Ellsworth can respond to technological challenges easier than we have in the past.

“Over the past twenty years we have put a lot of focus on streamlining our processes and eliminating waste, which makes us proficient at using the resources we have but by focusing on this we have failed to keep up with the rapid changes in technology,” said Kenney. “Our current environment looks much different than it did twenty years ago due to new technology and globalization and we must be innovative to accelerate change throughout the Air Force.”

The United States Air Force is continually striving to ensure its place as the top contender on a global stage through the innovation and creativity of the Airmen in its ranks.

“For the first time in 60 years we are faced with a reality that we may not remain the world’s top super power as the world advances at a fast pace,” said Kenney. “This is a real threat and in 2020 the Air Force issued a strategic vision and action order that challenges all Airmen across the world to accelerate change.”

Kenney and his team hope Raiderwerx will pave the way for a brighter and better future for Ellsworth and our Air Force.