Ramstein Dining Facility Will Be Closing Jan. 2020

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RP, GERMANY

Story by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker and Airman 1st Class Taylor Slater

86th Airlift Wing/Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany-

The Ramstein Air Base dining facility will be closing on Jan. 15, 2020 for renovations. Below is key information pertaining to the DFAC closure and how these renovations will improve the service and quality of food service to its patrons.

Questions and Answers

1. How long will the Ramstein Air Base dining facility be closed?

-The facility will be closed for approximately 18-24 months.

2. How will dorm Airmen receive food after the dining facility closes?

-Airmen will receive a basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) entitlement based on where they work and live. BAS will provide financial support for Airmen residing in the dorms to purchase food.

3.How will night shift employees receive food after the dining facility closes?

-The flight kitchen will remain available for night shift workers.

4. What will happen to the employees who work at the dining facility after it closes?

-Military and civilian employees who currently work at the Ramstein dining facility have positions lined up in different areas across Ramstein Air Base.

5. What renovations are being done to the dining facility?

-The dining facility will receive a reconfiguration of the serving line to ease flow and modernize the serving area. Additionally, new equipment will be added to maximize storage, efficiency and food preparation capabilities. Furthermore, the flooring will be removed and replaced to ensure solid structural integrity. The goal of the renovations is to ensure the entire building receives support system updates in order to comply with current fire, health and safety codes.

6. How long has this renovation been planned?

-Renovation plans started in 2005. The Ramstein dining facility was built in 1952 and has not received a full renovation since then.

7. How will these renovations benefit Ramstein Air Base?

-The renovations provide facility upgrades and quality of life improvements for employees and customer alike. The renovations will then allow the a higher quality of service to its customers.

8. How much money is going into the renovations?

-Approximately $7.2 million will go into the renovations and approximately $2 million will go into furnishings and equipment.

9. How many people on average visit the DFAC each year?

-The Ramstein dining facility serves about 235,000 meals each year. This renovation will impact about 1,200 Airman directly.

10. What measures will replace the DFAC?

-Meal card holders will begin receiving BAS I or BAS II.

11. What is the difference between BAS and BAS II?

-BAS I is $369.39 monthly, and BAS II is $738.78 monthly, which is twice the standard rate.

12. Who will receive BAS and who will receive BAS II?

-The amount of the allotments are dependent on available cooking facilities. If a member can reasonably be expected to keep groceries and prepare meals, they will receive BAS I. If a member is limited in regard to preparing meals, they will receive BAS II. The 86th Civil Engineer Squadron is working to identify information about each dorm building in order to determine which individuals need which BAS entitlement.

The majority of dorms do not have adequate kitchen space, therefore, residents will qualify for BAS II. Ramstein directive also states if a DFAC is closed for longer than 30 days and residents do not have access to another DFAC on the installation, residents are entitled to BAS II regardless of access to an adequate kitchen. Thus, all those who live and work on Ramstein are entitled to BAS II.

The 86th Comptroller Squadron stated Airman who miss more than 18 meals per month, at a rate of no more than one meal per day, and have access to a DFAC are entitled to BAS I. Those who live at Kapaun and work at Ramstein, and those who live at Ramstein and work at LRMC (depending on shift) all have the potential to miss at least one meal per day but have access to a DFAC, entitling them to BAS I. Commanders and First Sergeants will decide what category Airmen fall in to. Those who live on Kapaun and either work at Kapaun or LRMC will have access to three meals a day and will remain on meal card.

13. When will Airmen begin receiving BAS and BAS II?

-Airmen will begin receiving BAS Feb 1, but may not receive their full pay for 2-3 pay periods. Since the DFAC closes on Jan. 15, Airmen will receive back-pay for Jan. 15 – Feb. 1 and any missed payment periods. BAS II will be divided along with the rest of the Airmen’s payments in their LES.

14. Will BAS II be affected by Leave or TDYs?

-Yes, BAS II will decrease for time taken on Leave or TDYs. BAS I will be unaffected.

15. Will dorm Airmen receive any other allotments?

-Yes. When Airmen begin receiving their BAS or BAS II, dorm Airmen will also receive increased COLA. The current rate is $8.26 daily, and will increase according to grade (subject to fluctuation).

-E-1 (<2): $12.22
-E-2 (<2): $13.11
-E-3 (<2): $13.11

16. Are there any good ways for Airmen to properly manage their new entitlement?

The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers individualized budget assistance. For more information, call their DSN at 480-5100. They are available for appointments.

17. Will transportation be provided for dorm residents without cars?

-There are no plans for transportation options at this time.