Fiscal constraints lead to reduction in some 72nd ABW support services Published Sept. 30, 2011 By Micah Garbarino Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz recently said that "difficult choices" lie ahead for the Air Force, which faces increased budget constraints in fiscal 2012. Things are no different at Tinker. Col. Bob LaBrutta, 72nd Air Base Wing commander, is focused on balancing priorities after the 72nd ABW absorbed another 10 percent reduction in operating costs in fiscal 2012, a $5.973 million decrement. "Our focus is on retaining as many core mission capabilities as possible to sustain safety, security, and operational focus for Team Tinker," said Colonel LaBrutta. "Team Tinker has our commitment that despite these reductions, we will continue to provide them and their families unrivaled customer service." The budget cutbacks will lead to the reduction or elimination of several support services, postponement or cancellation of renovations and the loss of 18 temporary over-hire positions from the wing starting Oct. 1. "These reductions in service are very difficult, but they're necessary in order for the 72nd ABW to provide unwavering support to Tinker's critical operational and warfighting missions," Colonel LaBrutta said. The 72nd Mission Support Group's most notable immediate adjustments will occur in the fitness centers and intramural sports activities due to loss of temporary civilian over-hires, resulting in a 50 percent manpower reduction. At the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center, hours will be cut to 84 hours per week. Currently, the center is open 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Starting Oct. 1, the fitness center will be open 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. The Bldg. 216 Fitness Center Annex is set to re-open, but at 37.5 hours per week. Hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Depending on demand in both facilities, further adjustments will be made if required, said Colonel LaBrutta. "Unfortunately, the forecast is that this austere fiscal environment will continue for the next five years. Therefore, as the Air Force continues to modify funding and manpower priorities, we'll have to make adjustments to the programs and services that we provide," Colonel LaBrutta said. "However, as we make these decisions we will also continue to improve our processes and to find leaner ways to conduct our business activities. Any savings that we accrue will be used to buy back as many of our most critical support and service capabilities as possible."