NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain -- General Darren McDew, United States Transportation Command commander, presented Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hatten, 725th Air Mobility Squadron NCO in charge of air mobility control center operations, the Innovation Showcase Award Jan. 27.
During the ceremony, McDew announced Hatten as his top pick from the U.S. military for demonstrating innovative practices for the fourth quarter of 2016.
Hatten developed two mobile applications for use on Apple and Android devices which provide information for aircrews flying into many of the 521st Air Mobility Operation Wing’s locations.
“I enjoy technology and am currently majoring in Information Technology and minoring in Mobile Application Development and Design,” Hatten said.
Hatten’s first project was the Rota Air Mobility Control Center app which took two months to create. Col. Nancy Bozzer, the former 521 AMOW commander, coined Hatten and identified him as a superior performer.
Bozzer challenged Hatten to create an app that would cover multiple locations the 521 AMOW serves, so he designed the 521 AMOW app that covers seven different locations across four countries. It includes operating hours and telephone numbers for local and base agencies, restaurants, and hotels while providing one-touch calling features. The app also provides transportation information and global positioning system directions with off-line storing, eliminating the need for active service.
Hatten was coined for his actions by Col. Eric Hook, 521st Air Mobility Operations Group commander.
“My supervisor, Master St. Odis King, gave me the idea,” Hatten said. “I proceeded to build these apps because I wanted aircrews to have centralized information, eliminating the need to spend time researching for accommodations. Now the information is updated regularly and remains accurate 24/7.”
Hatten’s innovation has decreased man hours and government spending by eliminating the need to continuously create brochures. His actions are an example of the U.S. military’s ability to capitalize on technological trends, a critical competency to ensure processes are current and mission velocity is maintained.
Airmen assigned to the 725 AMS at Rota strive to innovate on a daily basis. The aircrew apps are one example of how Airmen like Hatten have an impact on Air Mobility Command and TRANSCOM.