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.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.