Thunder Dome: How AFSOC turns concepts into capabilities

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, speaks with the group of finalists selected to compete in the third annual Thunder Dome innovation competition at the HSU Innovation Institute in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Feb. 6, 2026. Conley noted the event provides an opportunity to see firsthand how empowering Airmen to solve problems is shaping AFSOC’s future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brandon DeBlanc)

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Thunder Dome: How AFSOC turns concepts into capabilities

An Air Commando, assigned to the 137th Special Operations Wing, presents a project proposal during the third annual Thunder Dome innovation competition at the HSU Innovation Institute in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Feb. 6, 2026. As a showcase of grassroots solutions, Thunder Dome empowers all Air Commandos to pitch solutions to critical AFSOC challenges directly to senior leaders for a chance to turn their ideas into real-world capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brandon DeBlanc)

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Thunder Dome: How AFSOC turns concepts into capabilities

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, observes a presentation during the third annual Thunder Dome innovation competition at the HSU Innovation Institute in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Feb. 6, 2026. A leadership panel evaluated 11 finalist projects to determine which solutions would receive funding to address critical AFSOC challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brandon DeBlanc)

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Thunder Dome: How AFSOC turns concepts into capabilities

An Air Commando, assigned to the 193rd Special Operations Wing, briefs Air Force Special Operations Command senior leaders during the Thunder Dome innovation competition, Feb. 6, 2026. More than 500 Air Commandos voted to advance 11 finalists to present to the AFSOC command team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brandon DeBlanc)

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Thunder Dome: How AFSOC turns concepts into capabilities

Published Feb. 20, 2026
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --

Air Commandos brief Air Force Special Operations Command senior leaders during the Thunder Dome innovation competition at the HSU Innovation Institute in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Feb. 6, 2026. More than 500 Air Commandos voted to advance 11 finalists to present to the AFSOC command team.