Passenger terminal reopening celebrated with ribbon cutting

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William A. O'Brien
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  After nearly a year of construction, the 728th Air Mobility Squadron marked the opening of their newly renovated passenger terminal with a ribbon cutting followed by an open house to showcase the facility's upgrades Oct. 5.

The improvements to Incirlik's Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal include a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; a drop ceiling and improved lighting to increase interior luminosity; and updates to the family and special category lounges.

"For the passengers, our customers, I think their stay will be much more enjoyable. The HVAC improvements will make the climate much more enjoyable," said Lt. Col. Brian Lindsey, 728th AMS commander. "Additionally, the lighting has been significantly upgraded so when they're reading or using their laptops, they won't have to strain their eyes so much to see. The family lounge and the special category lounge have also been significantly upgraded with new furniture and new furnishings.

"So it will just make for a much more pleasant experience during their time here with us," he added.

The upgrades, while making the terminal a more comfortable place for travelers to wait, will also prove cost effective, as the new HVAC unit will reduce energy costs by more than $100,000 each year, according to estimates by the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Since 2005, the 728th AMS has been the primary cargo hub responsible for supporting war fighting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In that time, through partnership with the 385th Air Expeditionary Group, they have delivered more than 1 million short tons of sustainment cargo. The aerial port also serves as a means to move service members downrange, a job which will be better facilitated through these upgrades.

"A lot of passengers were very uncomfortable. They felt like they were being put out of place, and I think with this new HVAC system they'll be more pleased to come into the terminal for their flights," said Master Sgt. Quinn Caballero, outpassenger terminal superintendant. "Being back in the terminal has already affected the morale. (The customer service representatives are) very happy to be in here, working in the area where they can welcome the passengers better and give them better customer service."

Following the open house, the 728th AMS commander thanked Team Incirlik for their help and patience.

"We couldn't have done the renovation without the significant help of the 39th (Contracting Squadron) and the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron and some help from the (39th Communications Squadron), as well," said Lindsey. "And just in general, the patience from all of our customers across the base as we had to use our pavilion as an alternate facility the last nine months. It wasn't always the best and conditions could be cramped and uncomfortable, but we've made it through the worst of times and now it will be smooth sailing."

The terminal was constructed in 1972, an automated conveyor belt was added in 1997 and an arrival terminal in 2004.