NATO alliance strengthened through Turkish cadet tour at Incirlik AB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Turkish air force cadets from Istanbul toured Incirlik AB and interacted with U.S. Airmen across the base July 17.

During their visit, the cadets met with Airmen from several different units including the 39th Medical Group, Airman Leadership School to explosive ordnance disposal and security forces.

"This tour was a great step in strengthening our alliance," said Master Sgt. Ellen Dean, 39th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School commandant. "It was great to see their perspectives and for them to see ours."

The cadets received a brief on the importance of each unit and were able to ask several questions at the various locations visited.

"They were very engaged in all of our briefings," Dean commented. "A lot of questions they had regarding why we (U.S. Air Force) are here were cleared up. It was extremely important for them to see the role we play in their country."

The future officers were able to get hands-on with a lot of the equipment and tools Incirlik Airmen use.

At the 39th Maintenance Squadron, the cadets learned the role Airmen have in crash recovery, try on hazardous materials suits, and received a demonstration on what crash recovery personnel look for.

"The Turkish cadets really received integration into our operations and the capabilities of our enlisted through this," said the ALS commandant.

While visiting the EOD flight, the cadets were briefed on the wide variety of gear and equipment that bomb disposal techs work with and operate.

After the briefing, a few of the TURAF cadets got to try on EOD's bomb suit and operate one of their robots, giving them a real understanding on how the U.S. enlisted corps are technical experts in their profession and the role of the enlisted troops in the military.

Meeting the security forces canine handlers was one of the highlights of the tour, but the bi-national interaction was nothing new for the Incirlik AB defenders.

"We work with TURAF every day," said Staff Sgt. Calvin Jackson, 39th Security Force Squadron K-9 kennel master. "We love working with them and learn something new every day."

The cadets were shown a single-person demo with the dog team, showcasing the capabilities of the military working dog.

"As cadets, it's important for them to know our capabilities since we work with them hand-in-hand on a daily basis," Jackson added.

After the attack demonstration, the cadets were given the opportunity to put on the bite suit and interact with the MWD.

At first they were hesitant to go for it, described Dean. Eventually, one stepped forward and got into the suit.

"We're very selective about who we let into the suit and what dog can handle it," Jackson said. "I know my dogs. I know all their temperaments and knew this dog would be good. It was a special thing for the Turkish cadets to get into the suit."

A key moment occurred for Ellen when she watched one of the cadets put on the arm-only guard. He appeared skeptical at first, but then she heard one of the 39th SFS members reassure him saying, "Trust me."

"Increasing our trust in each other is how we strengthen the alliance between each other," she said. "We got to experience that through the canine demonstration."

This is a very important part of the tour, explained Jackson.

"We learn from each other," the kennel master emphasized. "It's important to our partnership to see what we can do for each other."

Showcasing the base and Incirlik's Airmen proved to be a great opportunity for those involved.

"The Turkish cadets were extremely professional and polite," said Capt. James Melton, 39th Operations Squadron weather flight commander and cadet escort. "Their knowledge of both U.S. and Turkish AF systems was extensive, and their willingness to work alongside coalition partners upon graduation was very encouraging."

The visit fell in line with one of the 39th ABW commander's main priorities - to strengthen the alliance.

"This visit was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the alliance we have with our Turkish partners," said Col. Brent Bigger, 39th Air Base Wing vice commander. "It was about gaining a greater understanding and appreciation for each other as well as the capabilities and talents we bring to the joint fight."