Dr. John Wertz, a materials research scientist in the Materials State Awareness Branch, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, demonstrates Digital Thread concept applications to aircraft maintenance activities. Real time aircraft data, checklists and feedback through Digital Thread capabilities can enable better decision making by warfighters on the field, enhancing life cycle sustainment of Air Force platforms. (U.S. Air Force photo / Marisa Alia-Novobilski)