Force Support Squadron takes on RF-A

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  • By Airman 1st Class Willard E. Grande II
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EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Approximately 1,400 U.S. and foreign military members have arrived for Red Flag-Alaska 09-2. The amplified workforce calls for additional support to provide basic needs and the 354th Force Support Squadron has willingly answered the call. 

"Red Flag-Alaska brings an increased number of military members to Eielson," said Andy Flores, 354th FSS general lodging manager, "but we've developed a system to accommodate with the additional population on base."
 
Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces directed field training exercise that provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces in to joint, coalition, and bilateral training from simulated forward operating bases on the largest air-ground training complex in America. As RF-A continues to expand with each exercise, the services squadron continues to adapt to the increasing challenges. 

Of all the services facilities on Eielson, there are a few that are more affected than others. 

The Two Seasons dining facility serves around 1,300 more meals per day, the Gold Rush Inn lodging facility must find room for the estimated 1,000 temporary base residents, and Baker Field House fitness center plays host to nearly 400 more personnel a day. 

"It becomes a balancing act," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Chauvin, 354th FSS NCOIC store room management. "You have to find the right combination of foods and quantities, while keeping in mind the amount of storage room you have." 

Sergeant Chauvin must prepare two to three weeks in advance for RF-A, in order to triple the food he has reserved in the store room and prepartion doesn't stop at the dining facility. In addition to feeding the RF-A participants, housing them takes planning and lengthy shifts. 

"The major challenge we have is manning," said Mr. Flores. "We have increased work hours for Red Flag-Alaska where we go from a five-and-two to a six-and-one work week. Also, we have had to call on our supply, administration, and maintenance employees to assist in housekeeping." 

The Gold Rush Inn is housing approximately 525 military members at Eielson for the exercise. Lodging management is also tasked with making sure contingency dorms are ready for RF-A.
 
"Contingency dormitories are nearly identical to those unaccompanied Airmen live in," said Mr. Flores. "Military members here for Red Flag-Alaska that are assigned to the dormitories live two to a room, share bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and dayrooms."
 
Being away from the comforts of home can be taxing on just about anyone, and with fitness being an important part of military life, Baker Field House has also made some adjustments to better suit the influx of people at Eielson.

Recent quality of life improvements to the base fitness center can now better suit the needs of those visiting Eielson as well as those permanent party residents. The exercise also provides invaluable experience to Airmen who are affected.

"RF-A provides us with the opportunity to gauge the skills of our Airmen when they are being utilized at full capacity," said 2nd Lt. Michael Washington, 354th FSS Fitness and Sports Officer, "our staff is trained and ready to provide support to all patrons, whether four or 400."
 
The 354th Services Squadron takes the challenges Red Flag-Alaska presents in stride and does an outstanding job overcoming limitations according to Sergeant Chauvin. He said he is sure that as Red Flag-Alaska grows and evolves with each exercise, the FSS will always be able to handle the challenge.