Action Line: Broken boiler at the base launderette Published April 1, 2011 By Col. John T. Quintas 48th Fighter Wing commander ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- COMPLAINT: It has been a month since the second boiler at the base laundry facility finally quit working. Talking to an employee, I was told that CE had failed to repair the first boiler when it broke last year, and so the remaining one had been left to do the work of two which has resulted in it now breaking down. I was also told that it was generally believed that CE had no intention of repairing either (to save money) and were intending to leave the facility to die a gradual death of 'no repairs'. Whilst it may be true that at home you can safely use cold water only if you prefer ,when you are using a public machine that may have previously been used to wash anything from a dog bed to baby clothes, cold water is not acceptable from a basic hygiene and disease control standpoint. RESPONSE: Thank you for your inquiry concerning the broken boilers at the base launderette. Sustainment of our base facilities is certainly an important priority. I can assure you that calls received concerning failure of basic utility services affecting operations and quality of life are taken very seriously by our civil engineers. The repair delay at the launderette was a result of the procurement of new boilers that had to be sourced and fabricated to ensure compatibility with the installed mechanical system. I can confirm that both boilers have now been replaced and hot water has been restored to the base launderette. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. ******************************************* The Action Line is your direct link to the commander for complaints, suggestions or comments. It's not intended to replace the chain of command. When normal command agency channels haven't been able to resolve your concerns, call 226-2324, e-mail Action.Line@lakenheath.af.mil , send through distribution (48 FW/PA), mail (48FW/PA, Unit 5210 Box 215 APO AE 09461-0215) or hand carry your Action Line to the public affairs office (Building 1063). You may remain anonymous; however, to receive a reply, please leave your name, unit, duty or home phone number and full APO mailing address. Names are confidential.