Barber shops remain open at Vandenberg Air Force Base, despite governor orders

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - One barber shop at Vandenberg Air Force Base recently reopened while others have continued operation, despite differing recommendations from the State of California.

It comes as the rest of the state eases into some businesses reopening as part of Gov. Newsom's 4 Phase reopening plan.

On Friday, the state began transitioning to Phase 2 of the plan. This stage allows businesses like retail and non-essential manufacturing to reopen with some restrictions.

Salons and barber shops are listed under the state's Phase 3.

Officials from the Air Force base said grooming standards are an integral part of the culture of the Air Force and the way of life on the base.

When the COVID-19 restrictions first came out, the independent contractor working out of the barber shop at the Base Exchange decided to temporarily stop working.

So the installation commander and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service coordinated efforts to set up temporary barber services at the base theater.

They also had a secondary barber location that continued operating out of the Pacific Coast Club.

Recently, however, the independent contractor resumed their work, reopening the barber shop at the Base Exchange.

Vandenberg officials said they are taking the necessary safety precautions to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“The health and safety of our personnel have remained top priorities throughout our response to COVID-19. As military members, our comprehensive health is built on our culture and pride, which requires mental and physical discipline to represent ourselves as professionals. Grooming standards are integral for good order and discipline, and for that reason, we have maintained access to barber shops on base throughout this crisis. As independent contractors can come and go, we adapted to the circumstances, while also ensuring we are still providing our military members the services they need. Just like any other facility on base, health precautions such as increased sanitation efforts and mask-wearing have been implemented. We have worked diligently to remain aligned with the California and Santa Barbara County Public Health Departments throughout our response to COVID-19, and we will continue to operate carefully to ensure our members remain healthy and capable of carrying out the defense mission our nation relies on every day.”

– Col. Anthony Mastalir, 30th Space Wing commander.