U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel S. Kim, SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center technician, examines the 3D-printed fuselage of a Blackbird drone July 2, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The SparkX team designed the drone from the ground up to meet a request from the Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, then released the plans as open source so other military units can 3D print the components to fulfill their own requirements.

SparkX teams with Army Soldiers on open-source drone project

A small team of technicians at Joint Base Andrews is helping shape the future of battlefield innovation, one 3D-printed drone at a time.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the Air Force District of Washington receive combative training from 816th Security Forces Squadron Phoenix Ravens during AFDW Readiness Day at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 18, 2025.

AFDW Readiness Day bolsters diverse mission capabilities

U.S. Airmen assigned to the Air Force District of Washington participate in multiple training exercises during AFDW Readiness Day at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 18, 2025. The event prepares AFDW’s personnel to remain mission-ready, resilient force

Airman at workdesk

Shaking things up: 3D-printed tray stops mess on flights

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Morrison, a flight attendant with the 1st Airlift Squadron, designed and 3D-printed a smart tray to prevent salt and pepper shakers from spilling during turbulence on executive flights at Joint Base Andrews, July 21,

Several U.S. Air Force personnel in uniform work at computer stations inside a visitor control center. The room contains multiple monitors, desks, and windows looking into adjacent areas.

Life Behind the Glass: Inside the Visitor Control Center

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 316th Security Support Squadron manage installation access operations at the Visitor Control Center, July 21, 2025.