COMUSAFE visits Incirlik

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Nick Plante
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The United States Air Forces in Europe commander recently stopped at Incirlik in a visit that proved mutually beneficial to the general and the base.

Gen. Roger Brady, USAFE commander, visited Incirlik May 19-20 with an itinerary that included meeting with base leadership, speaking with Airmen and touring the base.

"I don't get to any one place very often; it's been about a year since I've been to Incirlik. I'm always impressed by everyone, and how they get things done here," General Brady said.

While having breakfast with Airmen at the base dining facility May 20, the general spoke about the importance of Turkey and the wing's mission.

"Your host nation is one of our most important allies. What you do is critically important not only to the Air Force mission, but also to U.S. objectives as they relate to Turkey bilaterally and the NATO alliance from an alliance stand point," General Brady said. "The relationships you're able to maintain with this ally [Turkey] and your ability to advance the mission you've been given is critically important."

Following the breakfast, the general hosted a question and answer session with the Airmen on topics such as the Air Force budget, deployments, future mission requirements and pay and benefits.

The general also took the time to present coins to four Airmen for their superior accomplishments. Those recognized included Senior Airman John Esquivel, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Senior Airman Ben McCullough, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron, Senior Airman Tiffany Little and Airman 1st Class Samantha Allred, 39th Security Forces Squadron.

One of the individuals, Airman Little, received General Brady's coin for her part in providing security during President Barack Obama's visit to Turkey and for her accomplishment of earning the Levitow Award for her Airman Leadership School class.

"It was an honor and a privilege to receive a coin from General Brady," Airman Little said. "It was nice to see a senior leader take the time out of his busy schedule to recognize us."

The general also toured the 39th LRS supply warehouse, the Child Development Center and the 728th Air Mobility Squadron's cargo yard. All three organizations have been recognized for excellence this year at Air Force, USAFE, and Air Mobility Command levels respectfully.

While at the CDC, General Brady commented on the importance of Air Force childcare.
"Childcare isn't about babysitting anymore," General Brady said. "It involves caring for and developing our next generation during the hours when their parents must focus on the mission, and that makes childcare a mission priority."

The general thanked the leaders and members of the 39th Air Base Wing for their efforts. He said they should be proud of their accomplishments and know that their impact is felt at the major command level.