Hanscom AFB announces additional changes, effective at 7 p.m. March 24

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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- In concert with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s Stay-at-Home order issued March 23 and effective at noon March 24, the installation commander has directed an orderly transition of Hanscom AFB to a base reporting status of required essential personnel only effective at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 24. Individuals deemed to be essential during the current emergency situation are to be notified by their supervisors.

Some key provisions of the transition:

- Units are authorized to implement their Continuity of Operation (COOP) Plan to ensure key mission areas continue through other means.
- Critical services such as police, fire, command post, and CAT will continue to operate.
- Access to the base will not be denied by SFS to any personnel with authorized credentials (i.e CAC or military/dependent ID card).
- The Sartain Gate (previously Vandenberg Gate) will be open 24x7. The Ruiz Gate (previously the Hartwell Gate) will be closed effective 7 p.m. March 24.
- The Visitor Center will close effective 7 p.m. on March 24.
- Commercial Vehicle Search Area will not be manned, but Hanscom security forces will respond when large vehicles require search.
- Base service contracts will continue to operate per direction from Operational Contracting.

Only personnel determined to be essential during the emergency situation by their unit commander/director are authorized to perform duties at Hanscom AFB after 7 p.m. on March 24. All other employees will telework or be authorized weather/safety leave as determined by their supervisors. With the direction by the installation commander for units to implement COOP plans, supervisors are authorized to direct employees to telework if the position is capable of telework. For employees not able to telework because of their duties, Weather/Safety leave may be authorized through the installation commander. Units and their Personnel representatives have been provided guidance from Employee Relations on how to request approval of Weather/Safety Leave.

Non-essential personnel are authorized to go to work briefly to retrieve personal items and items necessary to conduct telework through 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.

The following facilities will remain open to provide services for emergency essential personnel, base housing residents, and other authorized patrons:

- Commissary (hours may vary)
- Base Exchange
- Gas Station
- Shoppette
- 66th Medical Squadron Clinic: By appointment only—call first
- US Family Health/Brighton Marine Clinic: By appointment only—call first
- Child Development Center (CDC): As necessary for essential personnel only.
- ID Card Section: Effective March 30: Open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon for critical CAC requirements. Approved retirements and separations are still being processed virtually and by appointment only. The on-call numbers on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are 781-760-1193 for emergency CACs. For separations and retirements, contact 66FSS.FSPD.MILCAREERDEV@us.af.mil.
- Airman & Family Readiness Center: Family counseling will be referred to Military One Source for video/phone non-medical counseling for military adults and limited support to military children. Veteran Benefit advisor services are suspended until further notice.
- - Casualty and Air Force Aid for critical functions will remain active via on call by contacting the Command Post at 781-225-6960.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for civilian employees at 866-580-9078 or http://www.afpc.af.mil/EAP.
- IT help desk support will continue to operate 7:30 am-4:30 pm, M-F at (781) 225-4357 or Hanscom.CSC@us.af.mil.

All other support and customer service facilities on base will be closed. Please continue to check https://www.hanscom.af.mil/Coronavirus/ for the most up-to-date information.

Whenever additional guidance is available, it will be posted here.