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Team AUAB,

As many of you are aware, living conditions at Al Udeid is a hot topic in Congressional
hearings, national news, the AF Times, and popular blogsjustifiably so.

First, let me apologize for the current state of some of our facilities. I know some of the
Cadillacs are in rough condition and the Coalition Compound trailers are past their
expected life span. Complicating things further, the moist environment here is
conducive to mold growth. Let me state it clearly, the responsibility for these tired
facilities rests squarely on my shoulders. The entire team and I will continue to work
tirelessly to remedy the situation that has been years in the making. Second, I want you
to know that your health and welfare tops your entire leadership teams priority list and
the conditions will improve. Last, I will provide periodic updates regarding progress, or
setbacks, with respect to our effortsthis information will be for you to share as you see
fit.

After taking command in June 2015, my leadership team became very aware of
significant HVAC and Cadillac latrine issues. Initially, I directed formulation of a plan
to address the HVAC issues due to the summer heat. In Fall of 2015 we developed and
began executing our Cadillac Lines of Effort:

1.Hold our cleaning contractor to the standard outlined by the contract, which
requires each latrine/shower facility to be cleaned twice a day. This company
took over in September 2015, and continues to improveBUT they are not yet
where they need to be. We will continue to conduct quality assurance
assessments and require corrective actions.
2.Repair: Take immediate corrective action on identified deficiencies. We have
placed work orders for these facilities at a higher priority. We are currently
awaiting delivery or award of over $237,000 in purchases and have dedicated over
17,000 manhours in the past 30 days.
3.Recommission: Conduct targeted shutdowns to fully restore key components. We
have completed 3 Cadillacs to date (37700, 20010, 4201 female side) and 2 are in
progress (27100 & 32010) with estimated completion on 4 Mar 16.
4.Renovate: Complete interior demolition and reconstruction. We received AFCENT
approval and will start our first renovation on 11 Mar 16 with an estimated
completion in Jul 16. We have 10 Cadillacs on the list for such renovation.
5.Replace: Replace 49 trailer latrines across the base. The first 2 units were
received Oct 15 and the subsequent 10 units in Dec 15. We are targeting 7 more
during FY16.
Link to photos of recommissioning
effort:https://portal.afcent.af.mil/afcent/wings/379/spstf/PA/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?
sourcedoc=/afcent/wings/379/spstf/PA/PublishingImages/Cadillac%204Rs.pdf
Coalition Compound Billets (aka the Double Stacks): Before acceptance of the first 8
facilities, the US Army Corps of Engineers identified an issue where HVAC Fan Coil Unit
motors were operating in an overamperage condition. Just last week, on 25 Feb 16, the
contractor agreed to replace all 1,480 motors. Until this safety issue is resolved, I will
not place any personnel in these dorms. Once the issue is remedied, we will move

personnel into these facilities, which have integrated commonuse bathrooms, and will
demolish some of the oldest trailers in Coalition Compound.

Finally, I need your help. If you see an unacceptable condition, let CE and/or your
supervisory chain know, or notify me directly. There is no excuse for the team not
taking action on issues that we can solve. If you are experiencing symptoms due to mold
exposure, please seek assistance from our health care providers. I own the problem and
will continue to push for short, medium and longterm improvements in the living
conditions in an effort to enhance quality of life at Al Udeid for all personnel.

Brig Gen James

DARREN V. JAMES, Brig Gen, USAF

Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
DSN: 3184360008
Cell: 97430892857
email:darren.james@auab.afcent.af.mil

Mission Wingman Partners