RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Airman preparing to deploy from Randolph now have a new "one-stop shop" to get all the information and equipment they will need for a deployment.
The deployment readiness center was recently stood up at Hangar 71 after base officials made a push to get the center open for business prior to the November Operational Readiness Inspection.
"The entire process for deploying is now streamlined into a one-stop, joint use facility to ensure increased capability for both readiness preparedness and efficient operations prior to deployment," said James Williams, 12th Logistics Readiness Division director.
"The new center will centralize and integrate deployment readiness functions such as deployment and redeployment processing, individual protective equipment storage and issue, personnel readiness function and deployment travel into a single facility," Mr. Williams added.
Office space has been created in a portion of the building and various briefing rooms are part of the overhaul of Hangar 71, formerly the base gymnasium annex. A basketball floor is still in place below crates of all-weather mittens, rubber boots, flak jackets, Kevlar helmets and other clothing items.
"An easier, more deliberate process of deploying is just one of the positive aspects with the new Randolph deployment center and its improvement efforts," said Keith Holderfield, Hangar 71 project team lead. "We will also maximize limited deployment resources while eliminating deployment discrepancies. In addition, family members can also rest a little easier knowing Randolph professionals have done all they can to set their Airmen up for success."
"We see between 10-30 Airmen here each week who are deploying," said Wadda Harper, Individual Protective Equipment Element materials handler. "In some cycles you are going to see more than others."
Previously, the deployment process was spread out across four different facilities on Randolph. Although the recent move was not expected to happen until 2011, Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, made a decision to expedite completion before the ORI.
"We really owe a lot of thanks and appreciation to Colonel Van Ovost," said Jim Grobe, Logistics Readiness Division deputy director. "We brought her in here and showed what our vision was and convinced her that we could make the move. She provided the funding necessary and here we are."
With a scheduled grand opening of Aug. 14 at 3 p.m., the new DRC will centralize installation deployment processing for all Team Randolph members.