Incirlik hosts special guest

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Along with a new year and decade, and higher expectations for today's Airmen, January brought the U.S. Air Forces in Europe's leader to Incirlik.

Gen. Roger A. Brady, USAFE commander, visited Airmen here Jan. 25-26 and shared the standards he expects from all USAFE Airmen.

During his two day visit, General Brady toured various work centers, talked with Airmen and met the leader of the Turkish military here, Turkish Air Force Brig. Gen. Haluk Selvi, 10th Tanker Base commander.

Some of the places he visited included the Airman and Family Readiness Center, ongoing renovations in the Eagle Housing area, the Security Forces Squadron and several other workplaces to meet Airmen and thank them for their service.

General Brady also had breakfast with Airmen and a commander's all-call to address a number of issues impacting our Air Force.

One issue the General stressed was the importance of compliance, especially with a Unit Compliance Inspection on the horizon for Incirlik.

"Compliance is mandatory, every time," he said. "Commanders and supervisors need to enforce this standard every day. High ops tempo and high turnover rates are not excuses to take shortcuts. We need every Airman to get the job done right the first time. Being in compliance with AFIs and wing policies is mandatory to accomplish our missions efficiently, effectively and safely."

After presenting several exceptional Airmen with coins and saying goodbye to Incirlik's departing command chief during his all-call, General Brady covered topics such as the new physical training test, the importance of the wingman concept and force protection.

General Brady also answered questions including one concerning rumors of longer and more frequent deployments throughout the Air Force.

"Headquarters Air Force anticipates Air Force requirements will increase by approximately 1,700 Air Force-wide and there are 45 taskings out of 900 for USAFE personnel," the commander said. "The 39th Air Base Wing can expect most of their taskings during Air Expeditionary Force cycles five and six in May 2010 and nine and ten in Jan. 2011. Having said that, this wing also has a valid wartime mission right here at Incirlik and a number of personnel are required in-place to ensure that the mission here continues uninterrupted. I do not expect the current build-up to impact this in-place USAFE policy."

General Brady thanked Team Incirlik for continuously doing an "outstanding job" and asked everyone to take care of their fellow Airmen.

"You are part of the most respected institution in the nation, in the most powerful and respected nation in the world," he said. "It is vital to take care of one another."