U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY -- U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY – The Oasis dining facility reopened its doors Jan. 20 to serve meals to Air Force members, joint forces, coalition partners and the civilian population of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.
The Oasis DFAC closed in May 2023 to undergo a Hood and Duct renovation, originally expected to be completed within 60 days. However, the timeline was extended due to upgrades requiring adjustments to meet National Fire Protection Association standards.
The successful reopening of the Oasis DFAC was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the 380th Expeditionary Force Support, Contracting, Civil Engineer, Communication Squadrons and other key contributors. From funding and fire suppression expertise to structural, electrical, and HVAC support, each team played a vital role, with ECONS leading the $288,000 Hood and Duct project.
“This team put in countless hours cleaning the facility and equipment to ensure a successful final Public Health inspection and a smooth reopening,” said Master Sgt. Jessica Chivers, 380th EFSS Food and Service Operations section chief. “The reopening of Oasis showcases the 380th AEW’s teamwork in improving Airmen’s quality of life and resolving long-standing issues.”
The reopening enhances capacity, reduces wait times and expands menu options, providing a more efficient dining experience — critical during peak activity — so troops can dine quickly and return to duty well fed and mission ready.
“The impact on troop morale has been immediate and overwhelmingly positive,” said Maj. Maureen Medina, the 380th EFSS commander. “A closer, more accessible dining option has eliminated the hassle of long treks or vehicle trips for meals, generating excitement throughout the community.”
The reopening of the Oasis DFAC reflects a unified team effort enhancing quality of life, boosting morale and improving dining efficiency for all personnel across the installation.