Six Air Force installations will begin this summer to offer airmen more meal choices via campus-style dining under the Air Force Food Transformation Initiative. On Tuesday, campus-style dining is expected to begin at MacDill, AFB, Fla., and Patrick AFB, Fla., followed later in the summer by the four other pilot locations: JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Fairchild AFB, Wash.; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; and Travis AFB, Calif. This change will allow airmen to use their meal cards not only at their installation’s dining facility, but also at most force support squadron non-appropriated fund dining venues, according to Air Force Services Agency officials. “Offering airmen more dining options throughout the installation not only gives them more freedom, but creates a community atmosphere,” said George Miller, AFSVA food and beverage operations chief. The Air Force launched FTI in October 2010. Under it, dining facilities also have added new and healthier menu options. (San Antonio report by Erin Tindell)
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.