JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst recently changed their posture to HPCON Bravo as of Sept. 11. 2020. The base held a Town Hall meeting on Sept. 15, 2020 to address these changes. U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Hall, 87th Mission Support Group deputy commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Kipp, 87th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander and Public Health emergency officer, fielded questions from the community.
Below are questions asked during the Town Hall meeting:
- When will retirees have access to base?
Answer: Retirees have always had access since June 23, 2020; Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Sept. 25, 2020, the base is expected to restore seven days a week access to retirees.
- When can we expect everyone (including dependents) to have access to the gym?
Answer: Due to readiness requirements, gyms have been opened up to the military personnel. We have an obligation to be ready, fit-to-fight. We will continue to assess our ability to extend that past (just) our military.
- How is base access being handled now for high-risk personnel now that we are in BRAVO? Do I still need to come to work?
Answer: It is up to commanders, working with their personnel. If you are a high risk employee, you and your commander/command team should be in constant communication – so they have a clear understanding. Right now, we are recommending that high-risk personnel to not return to work. Your health and safety is the most important to us.
- My family member is a disable veteran – will I be able to accompany them on base?
Answer: We’ve always allowed the opportunity for those taking care of our disable veterans with appointments at the installation/clinic. All you have to do is coordination with the Medical Team, who can work with our defenders at the gate, to get the proper authority for you to escort your member onto the installation.
- I need to renew my expired dependent ID. How do I access base and do I have to go to the Welcome center?
Answer: The latest policy that has come out, for all dependents and retirees, it has been extended to June 2021 for you to be able to utilize your ID. There is no rush to get your ID card updated. However, if you do come onto base and you want to update your ID card, just reach out to the FSS team and make an appointment.
- Can I be sponsored onto base with a visitor’s pass if my family member lives on base?
Answer: Yes. Commander or deputy of the organization can authorize that member to bring on family members or guest. Take that to the visitor center and receive the proper pass.
- When will the CDC capacity increase?
Answer: We continue to work with our Public Health team. We want to make sure that we don’t rush to raise the capacity just so we can accommodate the children and put them at risk. The children’s safety is of the upmost importance to us. Every day we are working together to look at what we can do safely. We are hoping to see an increase in capacity in the near future. We need to make sure it is as safe as possible.
- With everything opening on base, why hasn’t the library opened?
The Library is now open. They are doing curb-side pick-up and drop-off. Give them a call and they will give you a designated time to pick up or drop off.
- When will dental and hearing open for everyone’s use?
Answer: Prioritizing mission readiness needs right now. Dental is open for readiness exams. For personnel who are currently “RED,” the team is working to get those completed.
- Are DOD retired civilians allowed to come on base?
Answer: Every Tuesday and Wednesday. Come Sept. 25, 2020, you will be available to come on base seven days a week.
- Will the Exchange food court be open for indoor dining any time soon?
Answer: The AAFES team has been working hard to develop their plan. The goal is to open up September 25.
- When will the bowling and indoor pool open?
Answer: Bowling is still in the planning phase before the re-open. The plan is to open the indoor pool tomorrow (Sept. 16, 2020).
- Do I need an ETP letter for Barracks and Ranges for HPCON Bravo?
Answer: Leadership will follow up with this question.
- How does leave work for me (in the Air Force)?
Answer: Leave policy hasn’t changed. We have designated a local area. The local area has expanded from 150 miles to 300 mile radius. Anyone who wants to take leave, we recommend you work with your leadership on their specific requirements/guidance.
- Where can I find more specific COVID information for JB MDL?
Answer: JB MDL app, the JB MDL Facebook page and the Joint Base MDL official website