DAFB implements government shutdown procedures Published Oct. 2, 2013 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Beginning Oct. 1, Dover Air Force Base began an orderly shutdown of government activities here, said base officials. Due to the lapse in appropriations, half of the approximately 1,000 civilian workers were placed on emergency furlough. Col. Rick Moore, 436th Airlift Wing commander, spoke about the impact of the government shutdown on base people. "We have impacted real families, real people," said Col. Moore. "We sent them home without pay, for a period of time that is not yet defined." The Base Exchange will remain open, as will all other non-appropriated fund and AAFES-related facilities, including the Shoppette, base theater, lodging and the dining facility. The library and commissary will be closed until further notice, said base officials. Positions that directly support wartime operations are not currently subject to furlough. Personnel occupying positions that did not meet the criteria provided by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget were required to report to work to receive their furlough notices and prepare to be absent from work for an indefinite period of time. The list of excepted employees is fluid and can be adjusted due to mission requirements, said base officials. Col. Rick Moore said the actions are taking a toll on the morale of the civilian workforce, who provide a significant amount of continuity for the base. "I think our civilian workforce is strongly frustrated. This is really close on the heels of the admin furloughs that we underwent this summer. I think that, combined with the uncertainty they are feeling due to the potential for more furloughs and even possibly a reduction in force in FY 14, has been a big drain on the morale of our civilian workforce. We have faith with our teammates." Please contact the Dover AFB Public Affairs Office at (302) 677-3372 or 436aw.pa@us.af.mil if you have any questions or concerns.