Builders completed the 68th and final new residence at RAF Feltwell, England, thereby finishing the six-year, $250 million housing project for families of airmen based at nearby RAF Lakenheath. Builders turned over this residence on Monday—one month ahead of schedule—to Lakenheath housing officials for assignment. The housing project brought new homes to both Lakenheath and Feltwell, a former airfield now used primarily to host military housing. Harvesting eastern England’s precious bit of sun, Feltwell’s spacious new residences feature solar-powered auxiliary water heating systems that “should reduce utility bills by 10 percent,” estimates Ian Lancaster, facilities chief for Lakenheath’s 48th Civil Engineer Squadron. “It took a successful partnership to make these projects work,” said Jason Flatt, 48th CES project manager, noting the cooperation of US military engineers and local contractors. (Feltwell report by SSgt. David Dobrydney)
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.