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.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
