SECAF visits Incirlik AB

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Malissa Lott
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public
Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett visited various U.S. facilities and met with Airmen assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing Feb. 15.

She was immersed into the role and mission of the wing and the impact of the Airmen stationed here.

Barrett also recognized a few Airmen for their outstanding performance within their units.

"What I found with the young people of Incirlik is that they know the mission," said Barrett. "They know how important the mission is and they’re here to get it done. They’re doing it really well."

Tech. Sgt. Jordan Holmes, 39th ABW Safety occupational safety technician, was one of those Airmen recognized during the visit.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to meet [SecAF] because you don’t get to meet people like this very often,” said Holmes. “It’s nice knowing my leadership sees and appreciates what I do and thinks I deserve this recognition.”

Barrett also met with Airmen who have a direct hand in strengthening the environment of resilience at Incirlik.

“One of the great opportunities I had was meeting with the resilience team here and hearing about what they’re doing,” said Barrett. “I really enjoyed knowing about the leadership being provided, coordination and communications to connect people.”

She went on to explain that continuously building on individual resilience will better prepare Airmen for hardship they may face down the road.

“We need to build our lives and recognize we’re going to have down times… there are going to be challenges,” said Barrett. “But getting through that, facing those adversities and building coping skills will help pull us through. Sometimes, we’re the ones that need a shoulder to cry on or to lean on. Other times we are that shoulder. We need to be ready to be both those roles. Practice those coping skills, listen to what other people are facing and you’ll have people there listening to you.”

Barrett also discussed her priorities and continuing the work of her predecessors. This includes establishing the U.S. Space Force, continuing to improve readiness and the modernization of the department.

“Our presence in Turkey is the bedrock of our ability to assure our partnership, respond to threats as required, and ensures support to global operations for U.S., coalition, and NATO allies,” said Barrett.

Beyond her priorities of continuing the readiness and advancement of the Air Force, Barrett had final words of gratitude.

"It’s a special treat to be here at Incirlik to meet the men and women who are doing extraordinary work making the world and America safer," said Barrett. "I’ve seen, personally, why we can be even more confident that we have the right team on the job, so I’m thrilled and grateful to the men and women of the Air Force."