Ribbon cutting marks opening of new intelligent lockers for SSPO patrons

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Regan Flatt, 86th Force Support Squadron Southside Post Office postal clerk, and Col. James Cunningham, 86th Mission Support Group commander, cut a ribbon to unveil the first ever intelligent lockers at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 8, 2024. The ribbon cutting opened up the intelligent lockers to Southside dorm Airmen, giving them a choice to utilize the lockers instead of coming up to the package pick up window. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner)

Postal workers from the 786th Force Support Squadron, 86th Force Support Squadron and leadership from across Ramstein Air Base gathered for the unveiling of new intelligent lockers at the Southside Post Office on Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 8.

The ribbon cutting kicked off the use of intelligent lockers to the base populace, specifically for Southside dorm Airmen and will give them a choice to use one of the 140 lockers instead of coming up to the parcel pickup window.

“Dorm Airmen are going to be able to come and use the intelligent lockers whenever they want,” said Tech. Sgt. Ryan, 786th Force Support Squadron Southside Post Office postmaster. “They will have 24-hour access to the lockers versus our normal pickup time from ten to five.”

Members of the 86th Mission Support Group stand for a photo after a ribbon cutting ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 8, 2024. Over one year of hard work has led to the intelligent lockers being available to the patrons of the Southside Post Office. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner)

Postal workers got to work in early 2022 with funding provided by the Installation Excellence Award to provide lockers of varying sizes to the patrons of the SSPO.

“It’s exceptional to be able to be here this morning and recognize the hard work and effort it took to make this a possibility,” said Col. James Cunningham, 86th Mission Support Group commander. “I just want to say a heartfelt thank you for all the hours that went in behind this.”

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nathan Miscuk, 786th Force Support Squadron Southside Post Office postal clerk, demonstrates how to access a package inside the smart lockers to Col. James Cunningham, 86th Mission Support Group commander, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 8, 2024. Airmen registered to use the intelligent lockers will receive an email with a barcode and pin when their package is ready for pickup, either of which can be used to open the locker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner)

Out of about 2,700 patrons, the SSPO hopes to give half of them the ability to use the intelligent lockers and hopefully downsize the typical pickup line.

“Anything we can do to use technology to help reduce customer wait is exactly the way that the Air Force needs to move,” said Cunningham.

For those interested in using the lockers, a sign up form will be provided at the SSPO customer service desk.

Kimberly Cunningham, 86th Mission Support Group commander’s spouse, goes through the process of opening a smart locker during a demonstration of how they work at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 8, 2024. The convenience and security of the lockers help streamline the pickup process and improve the customer experience at the Southside Post Office. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner)