Technology Expo

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cherise McKinnon, NCO in charge of aviation resource management system of 34th Special Operations Squadron, views an example of a foldable desk during the Technology Expo at the Soundside Club at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Dec. 11, 2012. Vendors demonstrated equipment essential to completing the mission including test equipment, secured radio communications, data transfer security, all the way to foldable desks.

Tech Expo showcases innovation

Published Dec. 12, 2012
By Aiman 1st Class Michelle Vickers
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.-- -- Hurlburt Field hosted the biannual Technology Expo at the Soundside Club Dec. 11, in order to connect base personnel to communications technologies for use in their work centers.

"It's a way for the communications professional organization and the base communications agencies to get those who need specialized equipment on the base in contact with vendors who supply that equipment," said 1st Lt. Matthew Bottorff, an executive officer of 1st Special Operations Communications Squadron and an event coordinator.

Over 30 exhibitors presented their products and advanced technologies in fields ranging from cyber security to simulation and training equipment. Vendors also showcased elements essential to completing the mission including test equipment, secured radio communications, data transfer security, all the way to foldable desks.

"The special mission that we support at Air Force Special Operations Command sometimes requires specialized equipment that not all the other units in the Air Force or military need," Bottorff said.

Additionally, the Technology Expo provided information on cutting-edge products to stay innovative.

"I came today to see if there are any emerging technologies that could help us at the United States Air Force Special Operations School to better serve our internal and external customers in the future," said Andre Newton, visual information specialist for USAFSOS.

The next Technology Expo is scheduled for June and organizers are always seeking input for future events.

Bottorff said, "We take input from as many people as possible so that we can get the most applicable vendors and equipment out here because this event is for the base and the actual warfighters."