LRS new Deployment Processing Center approaches grand opening Published June 17, 2016 By Kimberly Woodruff Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron will soon unveil a new Deployment Processing Center. Located in Bldg. 260, this one-stop-shop operation will not only save the Air Force time and money, but will also cut down on Airmen's frustrations and provide the 72nd Air Base Wing Wildcatter Deployment machine a facility worthy of their efforts. Tinker's deployment operation function in Bldg. 255 is restricted to a small area that was only able to process 50 personnel at a time. George Eavenson, chief of the Plans and Integration Section of the 72nd LRS, said when it came time to design the new facility, the base civil engineers and contractors really listened. "In the next couple of months, Tinker will have a nice, clean facility that is much bigger, and we think it will be the gold standard for Air Force Materiel Command," he said. The $3.5 million project will pay for itself within 10 years. The new construction has over 20,000 square feet and houses all deployment contact points; thereby, providing both daily operational tasking and contingency "one stop" deployment support. This total package service includes the weapons vault, mobility equipment issuance, a 300 personnel capacity area to support processing, air manifesting and holding area, rooms for private counseling, briefings and a place for a deployment control center staff. For over the past decade, deploying troops had to run a gauntlet of four bus stops, long lines and down time waiting to board aircraft. "Once they were processed, we had to use three to four holding areas for the troops to wait before their flight," said Mr. Eavenson. "Because chalks can't be combined, one group might wait over in the fitness annex racquetball court, while another could be in the 552nd Air Control Wing wash rack with another waiting in the base theater." The 72nd LRS simply did not have the deployment infrastructure to effectively support large mission requirements, Mr. Eavenson said. "We were limited in space, which related to needing more time and resources to process personnel," he said. "We were resolved to the fact the situation wasn't going to change with our existing Bldg. 255 facility." During time sensitive deployment operations, any late movement had a watershed effect -- once late, the LRS would have to push something else back and that affected all subsequent movements. The new DPC eliminates these systemic issues. Tinker warfighters will enter the north side of the DPC, complete all equipment issuance requirements, process and wait in an environmentally controlled, spacious room. When called forward, they will depart the east side to either be bussed or even walk to the aircraft for boarding. As for saving time, Mr. Eavenson explained that before it took up to seven hours to process 200 personnel, and now it can be done in just two hours. He estimated a 600-hour savings when it comes to the folks who work the processing line, bus drivers and other resources. "That's a good example of the efficiency gained," said Mr. Eavenson. "It also allows our deploying Airmen an extra few hours to spend with their families." The complete move to Bldg. 260 hasn't happened yet. The facility is finished, but officials are waiting for it to be released from the contractor. Mr. Eavenson said a ribbon cutting would take place once the facility is released. "This is a lot easier for us to manage," he said. "It is a big asset for this wing, and we believe it will set the gold standard for the Air Force." Mr. Eavenson said the bottom line is this new facility ushers in a new era of customer support to all of Tinker's mission partners where the quality and service and professionalism of the 72nd ABW "Wildcatter Pride" deployment machine is supported through a top tier facility.