New contract brings changes to Visual Information

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As the new fiscal year approaches, Oct. 1 brings with it a new contract that changes how Laughlin's Visual Information does business.

Due to the tightening of the Air Force's fiscal belt, many of the services once offered by VI are going to the wayside.

"Because of the budget cuts across the Air Force, VI can now only support Laughlin's core mission, pilot training," said George McKnight, 47th Flying Training Wing base multimedia manager.

Presentations and video support are no longer supported and will be self-help.

Graphics work such as certificates and signs are also no longer a part of VI's mission. Posters and charts will no longer be provided except for those needed for briefings and training directly related to Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training.

Photo support is also changing and now only supports historical events, very important person visits, wing level events, and wing commander and group commander's needs.

"There will be no more graphics and photo support at squadron level like commander's calls and award winners," said McKnight.

VI will continue studio photos for special duty assignments, passports, new student classes and official photos.

"VI is doing everything possible to lessen the impact of these cuts," said McKnight. "We are going to offer resources for people to support their own events when possible."

VI will also provide self-help equipment such as sound systems, cameras, projectors and projector screens for official squadron level events such as commander's calls and change of commands, but will not include going away parties and squadron picnics. Squadrons using self-help equipment will also have to bear the cost of developing their own photos.

Base VI is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., studio photography is by appointment only Monday through Thursday 8 to 10:00 a.m. and 1 to 3:00 p.m. and self-help is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 3:00 p.m.

For more information call VI at 298-5177.