Family lounge unveiled at Travis AFB terminal

Published Nov. 22, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Joshua Crane
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. to introduce the Travis' passenger terminal new family lounge.

In March, the PAX terminal leadership held a video teleconference with Air Mobility Command staff and received guidance from Gen. Raymond Johns, Air Mobility Command commander, that he wanted to have family lounges constructed AMC-wide.

AMC then generated and provided guidance, standards and funding to begin the three stage process.

First Lt. Andrew Gill, 60th Air Mobility Wing passenger operations flight commander, has been overseeing the project since its request.

"Gen. Johns wanted a magnificent family lounge and that's exactly what we're going to provide," Gill said. "Not only because he requested it, but also for the children and dependents who deserve it."

Phase one construction began in early August and was completed by contractors in less than two months.

"We're still awaiting some furniture and signage, but our doors are now open," Gill said.

All of the facilities are customized with children in mind to include children sized restrooms, a bathtub if needed, an insulated nursery and a play area with play equipment on the way, he said.

"What people see now is only stage one," he said. "In just a few weeks construction will begin for phase two which will establish a business-style lounge geared toward those who are looking to use their computers in a relaxed area."

Gill said the PAX terminal is also working closely with Army and Air Force Exchange Service to arrange arcade games to be provided in the business lounge area.

The family lounge was designed with functionality still in mind, Gill said.

"The area that the lounge takes up can be turned back into a temporary location for travel agency processing in the event of evacuations," he said.

"Overall it really is magnificent," Gill said. "Not only is it a readily available asset in times of need for processing, it's designed with families in mind and we're looking forward to seeing the smiling faces."