USAFE commander, command chief to Incirlik Airmen: You are critical to the mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, and Chief Master Sgt. David Williamson, USAFE command chief, visited Incirlik Air Base Feb. 2-4, to meet with Airmen to see the inner workings of the 39th Air Base Wing.

"The things you do to build relationships with this country and the people of the Turkish military are invaluable to what we do in the future," General Welsh said. "It's critical to what the United States needs to do in this part of the world."

During the visit, the leaders explained that they were not only here to learn more about how Incirlik Airmen accomplish the mission, but also to get their feedback.

"We want to hear from you and know what your issues are," Chief Williamson said. "We are your advocates, and it is our job to help you get the things you need to do your job."

The USAFE commander and command chief visited various work locations throughout the 39th ABW and talked individually with Airmen. They also held an "all-call" briefing where they talked to Airmen about their priorities and leadership expectations, and addressed concerns Airmen have.

In the talk, General Welsh stressed the importance of taking care of Airmen.

"Every Airman matters," he said. "Every Airman is critically important to what we do and how good we can be at what we do as an organization. We need to make sure (our Airmen) have the right training, the right resources and the right kind of tools."

In addition to taking care of Airmen, General Welsh highlighted safety.

"Everyone needs to remember that they are the 'common-sense monitor,'" he said. "If we do things the right way--the way we've been taught and the way our procedures prescribe--we are going to be safe."

General Welsh also mentioned the importance of making sure all commanders and supervisors understand what their people are really concerned about.

"Every Airman has a story, and each story is unique," he said. "If you don't know the stories, you can't lead the Airmen."

Chief Williamson asked Team Incirlik to be 'combat ready' and thanked them for what they do every day. He stressed the importance of accountability, physical fitness, technical competency and taking care of one another.

"I couldn't be more proud to represent you to the U.S. Air Force and be your wingman," he said.

The visit from the USAFE commander and command chief was a great opportunity for the Airmen here, said Col. Chad Butts, 39th ABW vice commander.

"The Airmen of Team Incirlik relish the opportunity to highlight their outstanding day-in and day-out mission performance every chance we get," he said. "Since every USAFE base is different, this was a great chance to highlight to General Welsh and Chief Williamson the successes and challenges of operating in Turkey."