Second annual Dragon Tank fuels innovation at Keesler

Published April 22, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --

Innovation and ingenuity took center stage as Keesler Air Force Base hosted its second annual Dragon Tank competition on April 4, empowering Airmen to drive change from the ground up.

Two uniformed Airmen and one civilian pose with a large check for $140,000 after winning the Dragon Tank competition. — Staff Sgt. Britney Diamond, 334th Training Squadron instructor, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chamberlain, 334th TRS instructor, and Mr. Brad Younkman, 334th TRS instructor supervisor, win the 2025 Dragon Tank competition at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 5, 2025. The team’s pitch was selected as the winner out of seven total entries, earning $140,000 in innovation funds to enhance air traffic control training capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida)

Dragon Tank, a Keesler program, provides a platform for personnel from the 81st Training Wing to present creative, mission-enhancing ideas to a panel of senior leaders and directly supports the 81st TRW “FIRE” strategic framework, to empower Airmen as Agents of Change.

Six people sit in chairs during the Dragon Tank competition panel, with a uniformed male member, holds a microphone while speaking to presenters. — U.S. Air Force Col. Billy Pope Jr., 81st Training Wing commander, asks questions following a presentation at the 2025 Dragon Tank competition at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 4, 2025. This second annual event allows Airmen to present innovative ideas to base leadership and community partners for consideration and potential implementation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida)

This year’s panel featured Col. Billy Pope, Jr., 81st TRW commander, Chief Master Sgt Ryan Taylor, 81st TRW command chief, Staff Sgt. Joel Hendrickson, who won last year's competition, Lawanda Jones and Cree Cantrell, honorary commanders, each evaluating proposals based on innovation, impact, and alignment with the wing’s priorities.

Competing teams presented a diverse range of solutions, from GPS-tracked buoys that would secure Keesler’s waterfront and clearly define base boundaries, to a full technology refresh for the installation’s courtroom systems. Other submissions focused on advancing training capabilities through enhanced simulation and instructional upgrades.

“We have some innovative and creative Airmen on Keesler Air Force Base who are doing amazing things,” said Pope. “Dragon Tank gives them the opportunity to pitch their ideas, not only to base leadership, but to some of our community partners, and we get to hear those ideas and maybe make them come to fruition.”

Judging panel stands in a group, holding binders, discussing and selecting the winning idea during Keesler AFB’s Dragon Tank event. — Judges deliberate during the second annual Dragon Tank competition at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 4, 2025. The event showcases innovation from across the 81st Training Wing, providing Airmen with an opportunity to pitch ideas that improve training, operations, and installation readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida)

The winning pitch came from the 334th Training Squadron, securing $140,000 in squadron innovation funds to upgrade air traffic control training equipment. Central to the proposal is the integration of the ATCoach standalone radar system, a cost-effective, turnkey ATC radar simulation solution designed to provide a seamless transition from training to operational air traffic control. The planned enhancements aim to significantly elevate the realism and effectiveness of training for future air traffic controllers.

“Dragon Tank 2025 was an outstanding opportunity, and I’m honored to have been a part of it,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Dixon, Dragon Tank 2025 project officer. “Keesler’s Airmen continue to bring forward innovative ideas, and they deserve a platform where those ideas can be heard and acted upon. This event demonstrated that the 81st Training Wing is committed to turning its priorities and lines of effort into meaningful action. It was innovation in motion, driven from the ground up, with a clear focus on strengthening our installation and enhancing force readiness.”

As Keesler continues to lead the way in shaping the future of Air Force training, Dragon Tank remains a powerful example of what can happen when Airmen are trusted to create solutions from within.