EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- On April 20, Col. David Mineau, the 354th Fighter Wing commander, held a wing-wide all call. Mineau discussed the mission and priorities for Eielson and remarked on how the Iceman team is doing exceptional work. Many questions were asked during the all call, but with limited time, not all were answered. Below are answers to important questions the Iceman team had. To view the presentation provided during the all call, click here.
Wing related
1. When will motorcycle season open?
a. We are currently transitioning from winter to summer conditions. Our Civil Engineer Squadron is working hard to clear the roads of rocks and debris to ensure safe travel for all motorcyclists. The final decision comes down to the Wing Safety Office as to when the season will officially begin.
2. Are there plans to fix the massive dip on Flight line Road/When will the roads get fixed?
a. Money and project design are needed to resolve these issues, and they are currently on the Civil Engineer Squadron commander’s scope; unfortunately this isn’t high on the priority list. In the past few months, we have re-done some of the roads and parking lots. The winters are harsh on our roads so this is something unique to us. Please let us know if you see other issues so we can make sure they are on our radar.
3. How long will we keep F-16s here?
a. At this time, Eielson is keeping its F-16 Aggressor mission. The two squadrons of F-35A’s will join the wing’s F-16 Aggressor squadron.
4. Is there more news on BAH getting taxed starting 1 Jan 18?
a. We have received no official word from our Financial Management channels of BAH becoming taxed. However, the NDAA FY2017 Conference Report does address a single salary pay system that would combine Base Pay, Basic Allowance for Subsistence, and Basic Allowance for Housing, however, it is in the planning stages and the plan would need to be presented by the Secretary to the Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which is slated to be presented per the NDAA no later than 1 Jan 2018. To see the NDAA report, follow this link: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-114hrpt840/pdf/CRPT-114hrpt840.pdf
5. Would it be possible to allow concealed or open carry on base?
a. AFI 31-101, Integrated Defense, prohibits the open, and concealed carry of privately owned firearms (POFs) on the installation by any individual with the exception of: credentialed law enforcement personnel performing official duties, Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act credentialed personnel, and agents assigned to Defense Criminal Investigative Organizations.
b However, Eielson AFB Instruction 31-1, Installation Access and Security Guidelines (Draft), allows personnel who are authorized by law to possess privately owned firearms to transport firearms through the gate. All firearms will be unloaded and in a locked case or vehicle compartment separated from the ammunition. Firearms may be stored on the installation in a locked vehicle for up to 72 hours.
6. Can Eielson install solar panels to reduce our carbon emissions?
a. The Civil Engineer Squadron is evaluating multiple alternative energy solutions to include solar power. To date, these projects have not been financially viable, but we will continue to look for opportunities to make Eielson’s power grid more resilient.
7. Is there going to be an alternate testing location when the Education Center shuts down, especially concerning EPME?
a. There is no need for an alternate testing location because there will be no break in service when the Education Center moves to its new location in the Airman and Family Readiness Center building in August 2017.
8. Can we get rid of the electrical initiative by Corvias?
a. We are still negotiating with the AF Civil Engineering Center. I want the billing to be accurate, fair and contain true energy and cost savings for the Air Force. At this time, it is reflecting as accurate, but we are still working through the data for determining the fairness of the initiative. The bill you recently received, or will be receiving soon, should be a mock bill. I asked for a 30-day extension as we are still assessing the fairness of the bill. We have a very unique situation here at Eielson and seeing true energy-cost savings for the Air Force is still to be determined; they will have to convince me this initiative is in the best interest for the Air Force.
9. Are you aware if Eielson received any STEP promotions?
a. Unfortunately, Eielson did not receive any STEP promotions this cycle. The STEP program is managed at the numbered AF level and it was a very competitive cycle this time around; there were actually fewer STEP promotions this cycle than there are wings in the 11th AF.
10. With the forecasted gain in Airmen with the F-35A arrival, are there any plans to increase the number of lanes at the base gate?
a. As of now, there are no plans when it comes to the F-35 bed down to increase the number of lanes at the front gate. The Security Forces Squadron is looking into the need and how to make that a project, but there are no plans for it yet.
11. Will all 3,500 people be assigned to the F-35 or does that include increases for all squadrons across base?
a. The projected 3,500 new people include Airmen, their families and contractors. Most of the newly assigned personnel will be going to the maintenance world, or are the F-35A pilots, but other squadrons may see an increase in new Airmen as well.
12. Why can’t we use the down and back track for official PT testing?
a. Years ago, there was a track at Bear Lake we would run on. The track has to be very accurately measured for fitness assessments. The Civil Engineer Squadron just measured official track and I signed off on the paperwork. I notice there is a desire for several of the airmen.
13. Where are we going to house 3,500 new Airmen?
a. The projected 3,500 incoming personnel include Airmen, their families and contractors. For some families, having the option of base housing is a safety net, and because we currently have people living in housing who normally wouldn’t be, we have a bit more vacancy than initially thought. The community is responding well and many want to help build the extra housing needed for the incoming Airmen and families. We sincerely hope this endeavor fosters growth in North Pole and the surrounding areas near Eielson, but families will still have the option to live on base.
b.The initial gut reaction is we need new housing options on and off base. All of the new housing will be provided by the communities off base to include the construction companies, mayors and housing companies. For a community of this size, it’s a major hurdle to overcome, but it will better us all and drive development between here and Fairbanks.
14. There are rumors of construction on the flight line impeding RED FLAG-Alaska next year. Are these true?
a. The F-35 airfield construction is an on-going process and ends up being a complex puzzle piece when trying to plan other events. With that being said, we have to balance that with who we can bring out for RED FLAG Alaska. The bottom line is all RF-A’s for FY 2018 are still a go and will be approximately the same size as our usual RF exercises. We have not hit any major limiting factors. When bringing the bombers in, it’ll make things a little tighter, but we will rise and overcome those challenges as a Wing. I don’t anticipate any major issues with the RF-A’s scheduled for next summer.
15. With our neighbors to the west flying close to our boarders, do you anticipate 24 hour operations?
a. American and Canadian Airmen watch the skies over Alaska and Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The forces within Alaska are trained and prepared to respond to any incident should it be necessary for Homeland Defense. Whether or not a specific unit or shop would go into a different manning schedule would depend on the situation, but at the moment, no drastic changes are expected.
Quality of Life
16. What new facilities build for f35 and QoL plans
a. The F-35 program is a very expensive project and congress wants to conserve the money. The reality is, if we spend more on programs, we have less funding for planes. We have to realize this is a 100% additive program, meaning we couldn’t put people in older, renovated buildings. Instead, we must build for the arctic environment, which in itself is expensive. Once we get the operational personnel what they need to get the planes in the air, then we can begin strongly looking at the adding other facilities. An indoor CATM range and a new school age program would have a huge impact on our community. We are also speaking on a consistent basis with the private sector in hopes of generating their interest in getting us a better quality of life on this side of Fairbanks.
17. Can we have open donation listings for quality of life projects?
a. Individuals and businesses are generally not permitted to donate money to official government funded projects. There is limited authority for the Air Force to accept gifts under AFI 51-601, but it is very clear that the government cannot solicit gifts or donations IAW this AFI. Having a list of quality of life initiatives for donations could be considered a solicitation and would thus be impermissible.
18. Is there a way to get a humidifier system in the gym?
a. Baker Field House wasn’t constructed with humidity management in mind. CES has a project programmed to install a humidification system at the gym, but the estimated cost is $1.5M. The entire building envelope will need to be upgraded in order to avoid ice buildup during the winter months and potential mold/condensation in the summer months. As of now, the project has not made the cut line for funding in the past two years.
19. Are we going to have a wing picnic this summer?
a. The Force Support Squadron will be hosting a 4th of July Bash at Birch Lake. It’s a cookout for the entire Wing! There will be free food, free equipment rentals and games. Come prepared to have fun in the sun!
20. Can commissary open on Mondays?
a. We have asked DECA this question in the past and we did ask again a few months ago. We learned that opening the commissary every Monday, all day, for our store size is not quite possible at the moment. We are hoping to compromise and possibly have our grocery store open for a few select hours each Monday. This way if you ran out of something over the weekend or need to pick something up last minute, you have that option.
21. Will the Base Theater and the Eielson City Center ever be connected?
a. The Civil Engineer Squadron has a project plan to address this issue, but the odds of it getting funded are low. The estimated cost is over $1M which requires it to be funded via the current mission Military Construction (MILCON) program. Unfortunately, it competes poorly against mission critical MILCON projects.
22. Can we get WiFi at the gym?
a. We are still working on funding for getting wireless internet in the medical group. As a quality of life priority, we are working toward obtaining wireless internet capabilities at the MDG and Baker Field House. We hope to get approval and enough money allocated it happen for you. Another top priority is rubberizing the indoor track so we won’t get hurt as much as we have in the past.
23. While a large majority of dorm airmen are more inclined to play video games indoors. Will we have any programs to maybe unite these airmen outside the dorms?
a. The Base Chapel host ICE retreats year round and Airmen’s Dinners every month. Flyers are sent out in your email when events are happening. Fort Wainwright partners with Eielson to provide Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers. BOSS, an Army ran program, serves all unaccompanied service members.
24. What new facilities or programs for entertainment will be coming to Eielson with the F-35 program?
a. The F-35 program is a very expensive project and congress wants to conserve the money. The reality is, if we spend more on programs, we have less funding for planes. We have to realize this is a 100% additive program, meaning we couldn’t put people in older, renovated buildings. Instead, we must build for the arctic environment, which in itself is expensive. Once we get the operational personnel what they need to get the planes in the air, then we can begin strongly looking at adding other facilities. An indoor CATM range and a new school age program would have a huge impact on our community.
25. There are a lot of events for married with children and single airmen. But what about married without children?
a. The Base Chapel hosts a Love and Respect Dinner in May and June as well as several Marriage Retreats throughout the year. Stay alert to your inbox as upcoming events are frequently announced via email.
26. Will RED FLAG-Alaska units be able to use the new USO?
a. Yes, they can! The USO is a little different from the ICEBOX. The ICEBOX was sponsored by the 354 FW and it was specifically for single airmen in the dormitories. The U.S. Service Organization wants to serve all the airmen and families here visiting us.
27. Base leaders going back 3 years have discussed a pull up ATM on base, is this ever going to happen?
a. At this time, installing a drive-up ATM is not on our radar. Years ago there was a bank behind the Base Exchange, but it eventually closed due to non-use. There are currently four stand-alone ATM’s around Eielson; the Dining Facility, BX Atrium, Shoppette and the Yukon Club all have them.
28. When will the roads on base be fixed?
a. This is a serious issue that is on the CE commander’s to do list. Unfortunately, it’s not as high a priority right now. We temporarily have signs posted where there are bumps or dips in the road on base, but money and project design are needed items to resolve these issues. In the past few months, we have redone some of the roads and parking lots. The consistent warping of our roads is something unique to us since the winters in Alaska are very harsh. If you see something hazardous on the roads, please let us know so we can make sure it’s on our radar and we can prioritize from there.
29. Are there plans to reinvest in youth services to keep the kids schedules in line with our work schedules?
a. Most of youth services is under the Non-Appropriated Fund, or NAF, which pools all the service agencies’ money together. When a new project is built, the money is pulled from different pots of NAF money and that project has to pay for itself overtime. We appreciate all your ideas and ways to look for investments in making our youth programs better. However, entities like the CDC and youth sports are having challenges with getting manning to support these different opportunities in the community.
30. What is the status on additional CDC staff?
a. Currently, we have 23 open positions across all CDC operations, including managers, APF/NAF providers, front desk, and kitchen staff. We just hired two new personnel and are hoping to hire three more this week. It’s challenging to bring on staff at the CDC because we’re looking for qualifications, suitability, potential, and a good background check. The background check in itself takes about 4-6 months to be adjudicated. However, providers are able to start working as early as two weeks after being hired. If you know someone interested in joining the CDC staff, let them know to apply as soon as possible. Now that the hiring freeze is lifted, we pull a report every Monday to schedule interviews with new applicants.
Squadron/Group Specific
31. Will fuel shop get a new hangar door because it’s continuously breaking and its dangerous?
a. The Civil Engineer Squadron has recently programmed a project to replace this door since it was identified as the worst hangar door on base. The hangar door will be replaced as soon as funds are available for this project.
32. With new facilities in the works for the arrival of the F-35, will 354 CES receive more manning to help maintain the new facilities?
a. As of now, no additional personnel are projected for the CES because no buildings have been built yet. Manning for CE is determined by square footage, so once buildings are actually constructed, there may be more personnel given.
33. Are we going to increase parking spaces available for RED FLAG-Alaska?
a. There is no plan at this time to increase the number of parking spaces for RED FLAG Alaska. Facility managers responsible for each RF-A facility would start the process by submitting a request for additional parking to CES. The project would then be scored according to its mission impact and compared to other validated needs on base.
34. When examining AFI 36-3014 Supplemental Clothing Allowance, is there any way to qualify for the supplemental clothing allowance after we receive the initial clothing allowance shortly after we arrive on station to replace our cold weather gear?
a. For certain equipment, clothing allowance falls under tools and assets. So, if it’s your winter gear and it’s considered a tool, yes. If it’s your normal dress and appearance gear, that’s included in your regular clothing allowance. You will need to ask your lower level chain if your cold weather gear is considered a tool or an asset for your organization.
35. Maintenance personnel have gotten orders for the F-35, could our orders get canceled?
a. Yes, they can. Our focus is making sure our Aggressors can get off the ground. If the contractors are unable to follow through, our current maintenance Airmen are our safety net. At the least, if the contractors need help, we can bring a few Airmen back, but higher level Air Force will look at what is most important and ultimately determine what happens.
Random
36. Can we roll up our sleeves on our uniforms yet?
a. Per AFI36-2903 Dress and Appearance … Paragraph 5.1.1. states Commanders may authorize sleeves to be rolled up on the ABU coat; however, the cuffs will remain visible and the sleeve will rest at, or within 1 inch of, the forearm when the arm is bent at a 90-degree angle. Regardless as to whether the sleeves are rolled up or unrolled, the cuffs will remain visible at all times.
To view the presentation given during the all call, click the following link. FW ALL CALL_CAO 20 Apr 17.pdf