New facility streamlines 2nd MSG operations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, Louisiana --  Airmen can now complete much of their processing in and out of Barksdale Air Force Base, as well as utilize many support agencies, from one central location.

The 2nd Mission Support Group hosted a tour here May 14, signaling the grand opening of the new building, which houses the 2nd Contracting Squadron, 2nd Comptroller Squadron, 2nd Force Support Squadron, the Traffic Management Office and more.

"The new [MSG] building houses modernized equipment, has more space and is consolidated so the customer only has to go to one location for a lot of functions," said Col. Craig Harding, 2nd MSG commander. "Inprocessing and outprocessing is becoming a one-stop shop for Airmen."

The building's improved layout not only streamlines the customer experience, but improves communication between MSG squadrons.

"There's more synergy here," Harding said. "For example, contracting and finance are on the same floor next to each other, so when it comes to executing our mission requirements, communication is much faster."

One 2nd Comptroller Squadron budget analyst, who used to work in trailers, often found himself getting up from his desk and walking across other rooms or hallways to help customers or to communicate efficiently with his team members.

"The arrangement we have now allows a lot more interaction between me and the other analysts," said Senior Airman Irthgar Berry, who now works in closer proximity with his fellow analysts. "If a customer has a question that needs to be addressed, and I don't know the answer, we have someone more experienced within roughly a 10-foot radius we can communicate with at that time."

Berry believes the new building has greatly improved face-to-face communication, which is an essential tool when helping customers or getting checklists signed off.

While the new building features multiple improvements to expedite and consolidate MSG operations, there are even more improvements on the horizon.

Older buildings on base may be repurposed, allowing for more streamlined operations with additional 2nd FSS services, First Term Airmen's Center and Airman Leadership School, Harding said.

With the streamlined operations the MSG facility provides and with more improvements to come, the Mighty Deuce continues to ensure Airmen have better tools to pursue excellence in nuclear, conventional and expeditionary operations.