USAFE-AFAFRICA commander applauds the readiness of Incirlik AB

  • Published
  • By Capt. Gerald Peden
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, visited Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Aug. 4-5, 2022.

During his two-day visit, Hecker received mission briefs from various 39th Air Base Wing units and agencies, had the opportunity to meet and interact with Airmen, and learn about the various roles Team Titan members play to defend NATO’s southern flank and support our allies.

“It was amazing to see the teamwork and excellence of Team Titan first-hand,” said Hecker. “The Airmen of the 39th Air Base Wing do an outstanding job at supporting our NATO allies while defending NATO’s southern flank, and it is an honor to serve alongside them. 39th Air Base Wing members have a key role in continuing commitment to the NATO alliance, and I have great confidence in our partnership here.”

Whether strengthening interoperability with our NATO allies or dedicating time to innovate processes, Hecker emphasized that expanding partnerships and expertise are critical to advancing the mission and have a direct role on the base’s readiness.

“This is an important time to focus toward strengthening our alliances and coming together as a ready team,” said Hecker. “By training together and ensuring interoperability, we’ll continue to maintain our capability as a reliable and responsive force.”

Hecker had many positive things to say about the visit and emphasized the critical role the 39th ABW has in strategic deterrence.

“We rely heavily on the Airmen at the 39th Air Base Wing, and the units they host to ensure regional security,” Hecker said. “This location and the people that support the mission each day are critical in power projection across multiple areas of responsibility,” he added.

USAFE-AFAFRICA's mission is to project power across air, space, and cyber domains, defend U.S. interests, demonstrate warfighting readiness, and forge partnerships in support of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

The 39th ABW supports this mission by defending NATO’s southern flank under the direction of Third Air Force, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. European Command. The wing projects global power through strategic deterrence, agile combat support and enduring partnerships to defend U.S. interests and allies.