DECA team visits Incirlik Nov. 5 - 7

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erica Picariello
  • 39th Air Base Wing Pubic Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  A joint team led by the Office of Defense Cooperation-Ankara and the Turkish General Staff will arrive at Incirlik Nov. 5 to perform a compliance review as required by the 28-year old Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement between the United States and Turkey.

The DECA is an international arrangement between the governments of Turkey and the U.S.
The agreement outlines various responsibilities that strengthen the mutual security cooperation between the two governments with the framework of NATO.

"The team's focus is to verify activities on Incirlik are in accordance with the DECA," said Mehmet Birbiri, 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs host nation advisor. "They ensure that, as allies, we are operating smoothly."

The team is comprised of the TGS, ODC, the 10th Tanker Base Command, 39th ABW and representatives from various ministries that review issues in six categories: leadership, communication, security, labor, customs, construction and environment, said 1st Lt. Jeffery Waddell, 39th ABW DECA inspection coordinator.

"Each year a list of action items is compiled, and the different groups look to see how we are progressing on those items," Lieutenant Waddell said. "New items can be brought up each year. These items cover topics like hiring dependents on base, environmental concerns, customs procedures, etc."

When the inspection is complete, the team will prepare a report for both sides as a summary of closed and outstanding issues, said Lieutenant Waddell. Progress updates from both sides are then sent on a quarterly basis to update the DECA team.

United States and Turkish forces continue to work together in many aspects on Incirlik to enhance cooperation and strengthen mutual defense.

"Turkey is a critically important ally, partner, and friend to the United States," said Col. Eric Beene, 39th ABW commander. "The relationship between the 39th ABW and 10th TBC is a cornerstone of our partnership. The DECA visit gives us a valuable opportunity to strengthen that partnership, discuss issues openly, and to forge a clear way ahead to ensure we remain committed to the same goals and objectives that have allied us for over half a century."