Two US Air Forces in Europe bases recently highlighted the success of shifting dining operations to the private sector. Both Incirlik AB, Turkey, and Lajes Field, Azores, had clubs with dining operations running consistently in the red. Officials say the decision to contract out the service was only taken after “careful consideration.” It also took months of negotiation and hours of training, but it worked. Both facilities reported financial turnarounds within the first few months of operations.
The Air Force’s senior enlisted leader told lawmakers that the service is working on 17 new on-base child care facilities to reduce a space shortfall and clear a backlog of Airmen’s children waiting for slots.
