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ALL-SERVICES LODGING REPORT

NAVY LODGE PROGRAM HAS ANOTHER

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Military Club & Hospitality caught up with Navy Lodge
Program Director Michael J. Bockelman about another busy
and successful year for a Navy Lodge Program that operates
39 lodges and generates more than $79.3 million in revenue.

MCH: What have been the highlights of the Navy Lodge Program so far dur-
ing 2017? Have any initiatives exceeded expectations? Did any initiatives not
meet expectations? Please explain.

Bockelman: Navy families continue to appreciate the addition of “every
family member” — their pets — being allowed in the Navy Lodge. This policy
increased the opportunities for families on permanent change of station (PCS)
orders to stay at the Navy Lodge and not have to kennel their pets. We continue
to expand our breakfast program. In addition to healthier options and hot items
— such as oatmeal, fruit and yogurt — breakfast seating areas are being added.
The weekly Manager’s Reception has been a big hit with guests. Held on
Wednesday evenings, this time provides an opportunity for PCS families to
meet and connect with other families moving into or out of an installation.
PCS and TDY travelers develop a sense of community with other guests, while
Bockelman
enjoying a light snack.
Room rates held steady throughout the Navy Lodge
Program, thus continuing to save the Navy and Navy fami-
lies money in these economic times. The Navy Lodge also
continues to expand the number of family suites available,
as well as the continued roll out of the new guest room and
kitchen design.

MCH: How has progress on the long-term strategic reset
plan been?
Navy Lodge is focusing on the most im- Bockelman: We continue making progress with the rollout

portant brand element, the guest experi- of the new lobby designs and functions. The Navy Lodge
Program is still in the midst of its long-term strategic reset
ence. At the end of the day, the guests plan. The key focus of the strategy remains to enhance the
Navy Lodge to meet the needs of today’s military family
are going to be the ambassador of the and to align with NEXCOM’s global vision.
All the room resets are ongoing. In 2017, over 800 rooms
Navy Lodge brand. will receive modernization or improvements. This includes
the development of more family suites, upgraded bathrooms
and kitchens, and lobby remodels as we strive to maintain
our charter, to better serve our military families during a
PCS move.
Navy Lodge Program continues with a very aggressive
renovation plan to keep every Navy Lodge crisp, fresh and
current. Room resets have been completed or are scheduled
for completion in 2017 at the following Navy Lodges: Great
Lakes, Ill.; Mayport and Key West, Fla.; Moffett Field, Port
Hueneme and San Diego, Calif.; Washington, D.C.; Rota,

10 MILITARY CLUB & HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2017