Lajes renovates dorms improving Airmen's quality of life

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  Leaders of the 65th Air Base Wing are improving quality of life for Lajes Field Airmen through extensive dormitory renovations aimed at providing Airmen more personal space and enhanced safety. During the renovations, some Airmen are moving into dorms previously reserved for NCOs.

The Airmen's move into the NCO dorms generates yet another temporary personnel move, as displaced NCOs are moving into base housing units. Base housing officials are working to accommodate Airmen's interests during the ongoing shuffle.

"Dorms T-130 and T-131 are getting completely renovated, so they will be out of commission," said 1st Lt. Katrina Maloney, 65th Civil Engineer Squadron Housing Office chief. "We're moving our NCOs into 2-bedroom units in Beira Mar, which frees up space for our Airmen to move into T-152. Despite all of the moves, we're trying to make this as easy as possible for Airmen."

Across-the-board improvements are in order for the dorms. Dorms T-130, currently vacant, and T-131, the primary Airmen's dorms, will have kitchenettes installed, which enhance quality of life. In addition, upgrades to building electrical systems will improve safety. Each living space will increase in size, as well, complete with a suite arrangement and a private bathroom.

Lajes first sergeants are assisting with the temporary moves driven by the upgrades and are advising base leadership on quality of life recommendations.

"This plan is providing a huge quality of life benefit for the single and unaccompanied members currently stationed here and for the Airmen who will replace us," said Master Sgt. Terrell Borel, 65th Communications Squadron first sergeant.

Maloney describes the move as an upgrade for both the Airmen who will move into suites and the NCOs, who will move into 2-bedroom units while repairs are conducted. Special emphasis is being placed on retaining as many positive attributes of the dorm atmosphere as possible during this transition.

"We're still keeping the common areas there," said Maloney. "They're still going to have their internet and washing machines, so the quality of life remains strong. We want to maintain the quality of life, but everyone needs to understand this is also a temporary situation, so flexibility and understanding are key. The current renovations are making the dorms a hundred times better, so they'll be coming back to something that's better than what they're leaving."

However, with not enough rooms to accommodate all Airmen from dorms T-131 into T-152, a few of Lajes' most seasoned senior airmen will have the opportunity to move into 3 or 4-bedroom housing units within the Beira Mar military family housing area. They will have their own rooms but share common living spaces with two other Airmen.

"This will provide them with a full-sized kitchen and a little more shared living space, a dining room and living room," said Lt. Col. Teri French, 65th CES commander. "They'll have locks on each individual bedroom, so they'll still have their own private living space, but they'll also have a nice shared common area."

Each housing unit will have a maximum of three Airmen. This will allow for some camaraderie and unit integrity. For example, if there are three Airmen from the 65th CS, those three Airmen may live together in the same housing unit.

"The quality of life for Airmen is extremely important," said French. "All of the NCOs who have moved over to Beira Mar absolutely love it, and this has also provided quality of life improvement for Airmen who are moving into T-152. Taking care of a house is a little bit more responsibility than a dormitory room, but I think they will find it's an excellent opportunity."

Because some of the Beira Mar units have not been used for many years, repairs getting the buildings into living standards were required. Each unit's infrastructure was inspected and heating, air conditioning and electrical systems were repaired, if necessary.

"We've just completed the necessary work in some of the units," said French. "Now we just have to schedule the furniture management office to get furniture moved in for the Airmen, then work with the first sergeants and commanders to get our Airmen into those facilities. We are looking to keep costs down as much as possible, so there will be no major investments other than installing locks on every single unit."

While there are many benefits for Airmen moving into base housing, Borel said Airmen should continue to adhere to Air Force regulations and standards for dormitory-style housing.

"Housing units with unaccompanied Airmen will still be considered dormitory-style housing," he said. "This means Airmen should not purchase large furniture items or pets preventing incurred, personal costs as they transition out of Lajes or are required to move back into T-130 or T-131."

Airmen can expect to move back into the dormitories in the future, as these housing units are being utilized to provide accommodations during a temporary situation, said Maloney.

"The long-term plan is to bring Airmen and NCOs living on base back into nice, renovated dorms as soon as possible. When they return to the improved living areas, I think they'll be very pleased," said Maloney.