332d AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING -- The 332d Air Expeditionary Wing completed its multi-phase dining facility renovation to extend its durability today.
“Along with supporting the longevity of the facility, the renovation modernized the structures and HVAC system to improve the health and safety for customers, ensuring we take care of our warfighters,” said Master Sgt. David Moreno, 332d Expeditionary Force Support Squadron sustainment services superintendent.
The multifaceted, three-phase project was organized by the 332d EFSS in conjunction with the 332d Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and benefits approximately 4,000 diners a day.
“The first phase was the roof work itself,” said JaNean Newman, 332d EFSS site manager. “The second phase focused on the dining portion of the ductwork, which prompted us to move the dining room into an overflow tent and serve from there.”
Newman went on to explain that the final phase involved closing the main kitchen which required moving all cooking functions to the flight kitchen on the other side of the installation.
“The main dining facility typically feeds about 2,500 people a day,” she said. “Whereas the flight kitchen feeds around 1,500 a day so that kitchen has been handling an extra 53% their normal capacity during this last phase of renovation.”
Along with facility improvements, 332d AEW Airmen can also expect more variety now that the dining facilities have resumed normal operations.
“We'll go back to our Monday through Friday schedule of different meal themes for each day,” said Newman. “We're opening with a Mongolian night on the 10th. Some highlighted days we do a signature build-your-own-burger that's a lot of fun, and days with local fare. There are quite a few things that we have to offer.”
In addition to the extended climate-control ducting, roof improvements and a fresh coat of paint, there are also new, hand-painted murals.
“It's a beautiful thing to see the dining facility finally come all together,” said Megan Kearney, 332d EFSS Red Tail Dining Facility shift lead. “It feels like a miracle with how much work was put into it through the last days of the renovation. This is an essential service, though. Food brings us together a little bit so that we're recharged and ready to go back to work full speed.”
The 332d EFSS supports food service and lodging activities, recreation and physical fitness programs, laundry, linen exchange, postal services, education and learning resources, mortuary affairs activities, and personnel support for contingency operations.