81st CS implements telephone operator changes Published July 11, 2012 By 81st Communications Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A key component of Air Education and Training Command's culture of cost consciousness, or C3, is the application of technology to achieve cost savings -- also known as information technology efficiencies. Keesler is changing the way the base conducts base operator and locator services. The end result will be the complete automation of services previously occupied by the operators. The most visible change for customers will be the elimination of full-time base operator services. Effective immediately, operator assistance is only available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Deployed Airmen who previously made morale calls to their home station through the base operators will now be issued a personal identification number from the airman and family readiness center and will complete those calls without operator assistance. Similarly, callers looking for organizations or people on base who were previously helped by base operators should first review the frequently-dialed numbers listed on the www.keesler.af.mil website. If the requested number is not available on the website, the caller can dial 228-377-1110 and the automated system will steer them through a limited call tree to the closest possible location for each organization. "Providing quality customer service is still our business and we will do everything possible to minimize the impact to Keesler's mission and personnel," said Rodney McGruder, 81st Communications Squadron infrastructure branch chief. "It is also important for everyone to know emergency calls made using 911 will not be affected. Callers will continue to reach a live emergency dispatcher as they do now."