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Edward's Air Base innovation team has a new Mascot: Sticky McStickface
In an effort to improve quality of life, innovation, and efficiency on Edwards Air Force Base, 412th Test Wing introduces Sticky McStickface, the newest mascot for their “innovation ecosystem” titled SparkED.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you let your troops name something, don't be surprised if it kicks ass <a href="https://t.co/DSjlVW1jdv">https://t.co/DSjlVW1jdv</a></p>— Task & Purpose (@TaskandPurpose) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaskandPurpose/status/1533585222016671750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Edwards Air Force Base has long been the epicenter for the development and fine tuning of the most advanced aircrafts and air capabilities the world has ever seen. In 1947, they hosted Brigadier General Chuck Yeager who there became the first human to achieve supersonic flight. In 1981, the first stealth designed aircraft took off from their airfield.
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Edwards continues this trend of innovation and outside-the-box thinking with Sticky McStickface.
Photo Credit: USAF
The method and convention by which Sticky was named is steeped in internet lore that dates back to 2016, when the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council asked the internet to name it’s newest cutting edge research vessel. The winner of the contest — “Boaty McBoatface. The internet then became outraged when NERC rejected the name and instead went with the Sir David Attenborough.
“Sticky is the people’s champion. They embody the innovative spirit that lives within all of us here at the center of the aerospace testing universe,” said spokesperson for the 412th Test Wing, Chase Kohler. Kohler also points out that Sticky’s pronoun is they “as a representation for everyone.”
As the people’s champion, Sticky will be the front person of the 412th Test Wing’s “innovation ecosystem” called SparkED. The program exists to enable Airmen of all ranks and job titles to develop, pitch, and roll out any and all new ideas of value to the Air Force.
Photo Credit: USAF
SparkED has produced produced programs ranging from a solar powered scooter share initiative to integration technologies on the F-35 fighter jet.
Gen. Charles Brown Jr., the Air Force Chief of Staff said, “[We] must transform our culture to one that values innovation, collaboration and accountability. We must move with a sense of urgency today in order to rise to the challenges of tomorrow. Because the return to strategic competition is our nation’s greatest challenge.”
Fortunately for our nation, Sticky McStickface is on Edwards Air Force base to answer that calling. While McStickface ultimately arose victorious from the naming vote, they did not run uncontested. Other candidates included Karl the Creative Kraken, Eddie the Lightbulb, and Nic the Sonic Boom.
Sticky’s creator is an Air Force civilian named Daniel L. Stevenson Jr. Stevenson, who is the director of the 775th Test Squadron said, “In all honesty, I do believe Sticky McStickface embodies innovation at the 412th Test Wing. They can represent anyone, they’re awkward, they’re silly, they’re smart, there isn’t a lot of meat on their bones, but they have promise. They have the entire 412th Test Wing standing behind them, waiting for whatever comes next.”
