RED RIVER ARMY DEPOT, Texas -- April 6 marked a major milestone for Red River as the depot's newest maintenance facility, the Maneuver Systems Sustainment Center, officially opened.
RRAD Commander Col. Brandon L. Grubbs with the help of TACOM Life Cycle Management Command Chief of Staff Col. Gerhard P. Schröter held the red ribbon as a MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle drove through, marking the opening of the brand new facility.
Federal, state, county and local city leadership gathered to celebrate the MSSC, which will be used for repair and overhaul of tactical wheeled vehicles at the depot.
"The facility standing before you today obviously wasn't built in a day; it is a culmination of 13 years of dedication, determination and visionary planning," said Grubbs. "The completion of the multi-year project gives our employees a consolidated complex to conduct body repair, surface preparation and assembly processes in one centralized location."
The $44 million facility occupies 232,000 sq. ft. and is equipped with the latest technology through a $19 million capital investment program. The building is largest part of the military construction project that began in 2008.
Grubbs thanked all who played a role in MSSC opening and gave a special thanks to former Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who was influential in securing funding for the facility.
"Former Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has always been an enthusiastic and spirited supporter of the military and Red River Army Depot," he said. "Her support was instrumental in sustaining the vision for this facility."
Schröter followed Grubbs thanking the Red River team for helping to deliver readiness the Army needs.
"This is truly a magnificent milestone and you should all be very proud and excited," said Schröter. "The MSSC will now provide greater support to the tactical wheeled vehicle fleets we manage. I am confident that Life Cycle Management Command teammates appreciate the added capability that will enhance your ability to provide the best value in terms of cost, quality and schedule."
Work began on the first phase of the center in 2008. The $11 million, 36,000 sq. ft. facility included the tactical vehicle processing. Construction on the second phase began in 2009 which included a $7 million, 26,000 sq. ft. facility used for tactical body repair.
Also speaking during the ceremony were Congressman John Ratcliffe, representing the Fourth District of Texas and Congressman Bruce Westerman, representing the Fourth District of Arkansas.
"This Army Depot is not only important to the fourth district of Texas but it is important to the fourth district of Arkansas," said Westerman. "You are equipping our Warfighters and doing your job to make sure we are safe every day. Thank you for you what you do."
Ratcliffe echoed Westerman talking about the importance of Red River to both districts.
"For 75 years you've built the best equipment to let our Armed Forces provide for our common defense," said Ratcliffe. "This facility that we are commemorating today will let you continue to fill that mission. I am excited that this building is opening today so that not only our Soldiers benefit from the work done here, but our communities benefit from it as well."
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