Tuscaloosa Tornado Does Not Slow New Facility for Alabama National Guard

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TUSCALOOSA, ALA. (07/12/2011)(readMedia)-- Alabama National Guard officials took part in a ribbon cutting for a new Armed Forces Reserve Center in Tuscaloosa, July 9. The center is one out of six new facilities that have been built over the last five years as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure 2005 project.

"The facilities before this were built in the fifties and sixties but do not support the mission we have now," said Col. Brian Barrontine, Construction Facilities Maintenance officer for the Alabama National Guard. "These new buildings are made to be more efficient and save more money than their predecessors."

Barrontine continued, saying the design of the buildings help to enhance the readiness of the units. Due to an increase in space, units will be able to save time and money when it comes to training because they will not have to travel to Fort Rucker or Fort McClellan. Furthermore, the new, up-to-date technology such as wireless capability and video teleconference rooms will allow multiple units to train through one instructor at their designated unit drill location or have computer labs with secure internet access, he added.

"Having a joint forces armory for the Guard and the Reserves help to bring about better mission coordinating and improves our capability," said Lt. Col. Jeffery Desmond, Design and Project Management branch officer of CFMO. "The Alabama National Guard partnering with the Reserves works well because we are all one Army. We can all be better prepared by the partnership, by combining our resources."

Taxpayers are also benefiting from the building of these new facilities, said Barrontine. Operation and maintenance will be less than the old buildings and the gas and electrical capability is more efficient due to the new technology utilized, he added.

Both Barrontine and Desmond stated that making joint facilities that include other agencies is ideal and brings optimal results.

"We would like to expand for an interagency facility bringing in police departments, fire departments, and other similar agencies," said Barrontine. "The facility could be a point of headquarters for occurrences or when natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina or the tornadoes of Tuscaloosa happen."

"We look forward to doing more projects like this," Desmond added.

Through the progressive ideas and saving of money, the Alabama National Guard will be better prepared, trained, and readiness in order to accomplish whatever future missions may arise.

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Photos and story by Sgt. Bethany E. McMeans, 131st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – (July 9, 2011) The outgoing commander of the 31st Chemical Brigade, Maj. Gen. Charles Gailes, and incoming commander, Brig. Gen. David Brown, participate in the ribbon cutting at the new Armed Forces Reserve Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., July 9. This center is one of six new facilities built since 2005 that have up-to-date technology and resources that can be helpful with training and being prepared to accomplish any mission that may arise.

07092011-A-4724M-003

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – (July 9, 2011) The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Armed Forces Reserve Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., took place July 9. The center will be used for both Army National Guard members and Reservists to increase readiness and save money. This center is one of six new facilities built since 2005 that have up-to-date technology and resources that can be helpful with training and being prepared to accomplish any mission that may arise.