Features

Order up: Ramstein reopens DFAC

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Andrew Bertain
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
July 29, 2022
Leadership from the 86th Airlift Wing cut the ribbon during the Rheinland Inn Dining Facility grand reopening ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 18, 2022. After two and a half years of renovations, the DFAC opened to not just dorm Airmen, but all Department of Defense identification card holders and their immediate families as a way to better serve the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)

The Rheinland Inn Dining Facility on Ramstein Air Base celebrated its grand reopening July 18, after two and a half years of renovations.

The facility is open to all Department of Defense identification card holders and their immediate family members. Additionally, civilians and military personnel of foreign government agencies may also use the facility when specific arrangements have been made between the U.S. and their foreign government.

The DFAC provides patrons with electronic payment options, as well as taking the U.S. dollar, restaurant style seating, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.

Members from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, get food at the Rheinland Inn Dining Facility during its grand reopening, July 18, 2022. The DFAC went through a two and a half year renovation and now provides patrons with an electronic payment option, restaurant style seating, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and is now open to all Department of Defense identification card holders and their immediate families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)

“Previously our DFAC had a more traditional focus of feeding our younger enlisted Airmen, those on temporary duty orders here and others on an occasional basis,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew McWhirter, 786th Force Support Squadron commander. “We wanted to open the aperture and be able to serve the community as whole, so we opened it up to all DOD ID holders and their families as well.”

Food Services Airmen have been working to manage food production for a much larger audience now that the DFAC has opened to an increased customer base.

“In early June, the team partnered with the 86th Force Support Squadron and started training at different food locations across base to develop their kitchen skills,” Maj. Kyle Deroner, 786 FSS operations officer. “We are excited to resume DFAC operations and be able to provide one of our core services again. Since opening, we’ve continued to work, train, and cook for four meals around the clock to provide quality food to team Ramstein.”

Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany line up for food at the Rheinland Inn Dining Facility during its grand reopening, July 18, 2022. The 786th Force Support Squadron included new food stations like a sandwich and Panini bar in the upgraded DFAC. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)

New food stations are available, like the sandwich and Panini bar, and new events are planned including quarterly birthday meals and specialty themed nights.

“What we do in a food service operation is absolutely vital to mission success,” McWhirter emphasized. “It is critical to feed the people that make the mission happen. We also hope to provide our patrons with a better quality of life and bring back that face-to-face service we lost during COVID-19.”

The DFAC hours of operation are:

Monday through Friday

  • Breakfast: 6-8 a.m.
  • Lunch: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4:30-7 p.m.
  • Midnight meal: 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Weekends, Holidays and Family Days

  • Brunch: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4:30-7 p.m.
  • Midnight meal: 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m
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