Grand Forks AFB prepares for potential government shutdown

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  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  While Air Force and Defense Department officials are hopeful that Congress will avoid a government shutdown tonight, it's prudent to be prepared for any contingency.

All personnel - both military and civilian - are to report for work as normally scheduled Tuesday morning (unless on previously scheduled leave) regardless of the status of a government shutdown.

If there is a government shutdown, military personnel will continue to work and non-excepted civilian employees will be furloughed. The civilian personnel office will communicate directly with Wing leadership and the civilian workforce as required.

Air Force officials have compiled the latest information on the potential shutdown, to include news stories and reference links, at this site.

The following activities would be impacted by a government shutdown:

· The Commissary will be open as scheduled on 1 Oct, but will close beginning 2 Oct.
· The Northern Lights Club, Bowling Alley, Arts and Crafts Center, Airman & Family Readiness Center, Library and Pool will be closed.
· The Education Center will not be open to process TA applications or to conduct official testing; College classes will continue to run as scheduled.
· Squadrons across the Wing are also preparing for various mission impacts.

The following activities will NOT be impacted by a shutdown:

· Flying and airfield operations and support to those missions will continue as normal.
· Fire and Force Protection services will remain unaffected.
· Sexual Assault Response Coordinator activities will continue.
· Child Development Centers, School Age/Youth Programs will run as regularly scheduled
· The Fitness Center, Base Lodging and the Dining Facility will remain open as regularly scheduled.
· On-base bus services (i.e., supporting Twining and Eielson Schools) will continue uninterrupted.
· The Base Exchange will remain open.
· Medical Services will remain open, but patients can expect longer-than-usual waiting times. There will be no impact to acute/emergency care, but some elective care may be discontinued.

Every member of our Air Force team is important to accomplishing our mission, and we need to be good Wingmen to help each other through these uncertain times. Please note that personnel facing financial difficulties should notify a supervisor, first sergeant, or commander who can provide information on financial aid organizations.

Announcements will be posted daily on the 747-SNOW (747-7669) line and on our Facebook Page (Warriors of the North -Grand Forks Air Force Base).

(Courtesy of the 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs)