Hurlburt Field Commissary prepares for furloughs

Published June 5, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Callaway
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Hurlburt Field Commissary is slated to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from July 9 to Sept. 30.

The closures are part of Defense Commissary Agency's initiative to reduce operation costs due to sequestration.

According to a statement by DeCA, when the furlough takes effect the majority of military commissaries are scheduled to close on Mondays. The 148 stores, which are already close on Mondays, will also close the following day of operations.

"We know that any disruption in commissary operations will impact our patrons," said Joseph Jeu, DeCA director and chief executive officer. "We also understand the tremendous burden this places on our employees, who, when furloughed, will lose 20 percent of their pay."

DeCA determined closing on Mondays and Tuesdays would cause the least disruption to shoppers, vendors, suppliers and distributors.

"We are in this together," Jeu said. "Though limited in our ability by circumstances we cannot control, I assure you we will do all we can to mitigate the impact of sequestration on our patrons, employees and industry partners, and on our mission."

Commissary customers will still be able to enjoy the same products and services during its new days of operation. The Commissary will maintain normal working hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. "Early Bird Shopping" will still be available Wednesday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m.

As sequestration continues, commissary customers can find out about any changes to their local stores' operating schedule by clicking here.