3rd AF commander visits Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, the 3rd Air Force commander, visited here Jan. 25 to see how he can better support the 39th Air Base Wing.

General Gorenc took a tour of Incirlik and talked to Airmen about changes going on in the Air Force and force development during an All-Call briefing.

"I relish every opportunity I have to come to Incirlik," he said. "Incirlik has played a large role in my life, and I have nothing but happy memories."

As the 3rd Air Force commander, the general is responsible for 10 wings throughout Europe and visits the wings to get a feel for the mission and interact with Airmen, he said.

He explained he has been to each of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases and that every wing is a 'handmade wooden shoe,' referring to the uniqueness of how each unit is organized and functions.

"We're here to get good ideas and to advocate for all the good things your Airmen are doing," he said.

The general briefed Incirlik Airmen of changes that have occurred in the Air Force in the past and upcoming changes, such as the shift from a "Cold War Air Force" to a "No-Fly Zone Air Force," to the "Global War on Terror Air Force" or "Overseas Contingency Air Force."

He added that Airmen are the executors and the staff at 3rd Air Force and USAFE are supposed to give them policy guidance and the support needed to accomplish the mission.

"Overall, I'm thrilled with how USAFE bases are executing the mission at a very high level," said General Gorenc.

3rd Air Force is U.S. Air Forces in Europe's component numbered air force for U.S. European Command, which directs all USAFE forces engaged in contingency and wartime operations in the EUCOM area of responsibility. The command is comprised of 10 wings, three groups, and the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center.