New mission arrives at Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Switzer
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (USAFENS) --  A new mission kicked off here June 1 with the arrival and departure of the first C-17 Globemaster IIIs carrying cargo to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The new mission, which works on a ‘hub and spoke’ concept, calls for cargo to come into Incirlik Air Base from Charleston Air Force Base, S. C., and go from here to several locations in Iraq, said Lt. Col. Jim Burton, 728th Air Mobility Squadron operations officer.

The cargo hub mission moved to Incirlik from Rhein-Main AB , Germany , in an effort to conserve Air Force resources.

“It’s a fuel and flying time issue,” said Colonel Burton. “It is more efficient for the C-17 because the cargo is delivered closer to Iraq without going to Iraq itself. By moving it here, it is possible to move more cargo with fewer planes.”

The C-17s, based out of Charleston AFB, will be rotating in and out every two weeks or so, the colonel said. Although right now the mission is currently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, it has the ability to expand to support to Operation Enduring Freedom.

“It’s primarily what we call ‘general cargo,’” said Colonel Burton. “It is for sustaining operations in Iraq – things like lubrication oil, parts for different things and a lot of add-on armor – things people need to keep their mission going.”

And while the cargo coming out of Incirlik is keeping the downrange mission going, it also means an increase of the support systems for the people who work on and with the aircraft stationed here and increase in aircrews and maintainers supporting the new operation, said Colonel Burton.

“The aircrews will be here for around two weeks at a time and maintainers will be here for anywhere between 30 and 120 days,” he said. “More people on base means there is more workload to support.”

Several 39th Services Squadron programs are expanding to handle the extra workload.

“Most personnel will be housed in main base lodging (Hodja Inn) with a few in Turkish Air Force lodging; when those places are filled the remaining people, will be lodged in Tin City,” said Maj. Michael Platt, 39th SVS commander.“ Tin City is an area of prefabricated buildings that can hold a great number of people should the need arise.”

And, the services squadron is ready to ensure people deployed or TDY are able to enjoy the same services and quality of life here as at their home station.

“These folks are welcome to use any services activities and programs that are available on base,” said Major Platt. “The base pool is even offering a $7 weekly pass special for anyone staying in lodging; they just have to ask the front desk.”