What's New?


***Last Updated on June 21, 2022***
 

TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES

As of 12 June, the CDC no longer requires air passengers traveling to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status. The CDC's order requiring proof of vaccination for non-citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. The medical group still recommends that travelers check the U.S. entry requirements for any travel-ready document requirements for their specific airline. Contact 676 3141 with any questions. 

COVID-19 BOOSTERS

The CDC recommends a 2nd booster dose 4 months from previous dose for:
- People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
- People ages 50 years and older. 
 
If you are in need of a COVID booster on Incirlik Air Base, come to the 39 MDG Immunizations Walk-In Clinic. No appointment needed!
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday from 0730-1630 (except for training days and holidays). 
We are closed for lunch from 1200-1315.
 
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Immunizations Clinic at DSN: 314-676-8254/7254.
 
 

TRAVEL TO TURKEY

ALL arrivals to Incirlik Air Base to include PCS, TDY and leave return, STILL require negative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving. 

The best option is for PCS travelers to test at their losing base (or nearby base) prior to travel. Testing in the BWI area is NOT a primary source for PCS travelers to receive a PCR COVID-19 test. 

COVID-19 Mask Policy Guidance Update:

COVID-19 has become endemic in the population. On base COVID-19 cases have significantly dropped, regional cases have stabilized, and IAB Airmen are nearly 100% vaccinated for COVID-19. Based on this information and recent CDC guidance, masks are no longer mandatory unless outlined below.

  • All DoD personnel at IAB must continue to comply with host-nation laws and requirements for mask wearing and social distancing when inside any joint-use facility, Turkish facilities, or when outside of IAB for official and unofficial travel.

Travel Policies

GENERAL TRAVEL GUIDANCE

Check the Foreign Clearance Guide for the latest travel restrictions and guidance before planning any international travel for PCS, TDY or leave. For the latest travel restrictions in Turkey click here. 

TESTING PROCEDURES

  • Outbound Travel/PCS: All members departing Incirlik AB  must contact the 39 MDG appointment line at 676-6666 NLT 5 business days prior to departure date from Incirlik AB.  Sampling/testing times outside of normal duty hours must be scheduled with the testing POC prior to presenting to the 39 MDG. More info is provided in 39 MDG Leave / TDY Return Testing Info Sheet (Incirlik Policy Read Book #26a). 
  • Incoming Travel/PCS : For members arriving to Incirlik AB, the cost of the required PCR test (test only, not doctor referral if required) is covered by TRICARE (if accepted) or can be charged to GTC.
  • Unofficial Travel: The cost for test is not covered if obtained commercially, but may still be obtained at a Military Treatment Facility at no cost. Members must research options prior to travel.

TRAVEL TO TURKEY

ALL arrivals to Incirlik Air Base to include PCS, TDY and leave return, require negative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving. 

The best option is for PCS travelers to test at their losing base (or nearby base) prior to travel. Testing in the BWI area is NOT a primary source for PCS travelers to receive a PCR COVID-19 test. 

TRAVEL TO US

In accordance with Statement Department requirements, all base personnel, regardless of vaccination status, traveling to the U.S. via commercial airlines require a negative PCR test to enter the country within one day of departure or documentation of COVID-19 recovery within 90 days of departure. For more information, click here.

All base personnel traveling on Patriot Express to the U.S. require a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure to enter the country. For more information, click here. 

TRAVEL WITHIN TURKEY

Effective September 6, per the Government of Turkey, only people who meet one of the following conditions will be able to attend large events, such as concerts, film screenings or theater shows in Turkey. The same rule applies to public transportation, to include planes, buses or trains, throughout Turkey:

  1. Fully vaccinated (14 days after second dose)
  2. Recently had COVID-19 (official medical documentation proving immunity)
  3. Have a negative PCR test conducted within the last 48 hours

LEAVE POLICY:

Leave is authorized per the DoD, however other host nation and local restrictions may apply. Leave must be approved by the squadron commander.  39 ABW Leave Policy (Incirlik Policy Read Book #23).

  • Emergency Leave: Emergency Leave documented in orders is authorized. No ETP required to travel Space-A or commercial. Emergency leave must be approved by the member's squadron commander. 
  • Leave (Hardship or Humanitarian): Leave which does not fall into the category of emergency leave as defined by AFI 36-3003 requires an O-6 approval and exception to policy to travel Space-A to BWI. No ETP is required for commercial travel. ETP Template (Incirlik Policy Read Book #06)
  • Ordinary Leave: Must be approved no lower than Sq/CC. Squadrons and Groups may place additional requirements on leave. Space-A currently not authorized, per DoD Policy. Commercial flights for ordinary leave are authorized at member’s expense.

Hygiene Requirements

QUARANTINE AND CONTACT TRACING POLICY

In accordance with the latest CDC guidance, members of the 39th ABW who test positive for COVID-19 will be isolated for at least five days from the onset of symptoms and only released by their Primary Care Manager (PCM) team.  

A close contact is defined as being within six feet of the positive case for a total of 15 minutes over a 24-hour period.

Close contacts who have completed their primary vaccination series in the last six months or have received a booster shot should wear a mask for 10 days and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If they develop symptoms, they should isolate themselves from others and report to the 39th Medical Group for testing.

Close contacts who are either unvaccinated or who have completed their primary series more than six months ago should quarantine for five days and then wear a mask for five days when around other people. If the close contact does not have any symptoms and the unit commander determines the member is mission essential, the commander can allow the member to return to work wearing a mask for ten days.

Close contacts who develop symptoms should isolate from others and call the 39 MDG at 676-6666 or report to sick call on the main floor of the 39th MDG at 7:45 a.m. Monday through Friday, except for U.S. Federal Holidays and wing down days.

Vaccine Information

COVID-19 BOOSTERS

Moderna COVID-19 boosters are available to all U.S. DoD beneficiaries, 18 years or older, who have received their last dose six or more months ago (Pfizer/Moderna) or two or more months ago (Janssen/J&J). Pfizer boosters are available to all U.S. DoD beneficiaries, 12 years and older, who have received their last dose five or more months ago (Pfizer), six or more months ago (Moderna) or two or more months ago (Janssen/J&J).

 

Starting January 7, 2020, boosters will be available every Friday, from 7:30to 11:30 a.m., at the 39th Medical Group Immunization Clinic (Bldg. 865), except for U.S. Federal Holidays and wing down days. Moderna boosters will be available on Fridays from 7:30 to 11 a.m. while Pfizer boosters will be available from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

 

Appointments are required. Visit https://informatics-stage.health.mil/IncirlikCOVIDApp/ to schedule your appointment.

You may select a different vaccine for your booster than what you used to complete the initial series. Booster shots are voluntary at this time.

 

COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATE

 

In line with the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force has directed all active-duty Airmen and Guardians to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 2, 2021. To schedule an appointment, contact the 39th MDG appointment line at 676-6666. 

 

Exemptions: Service members may apply for medical exemption or religious accommodation. Please contact the 39th Medical Group at 676-6666 for more information about medical exemption or the base chaplain’s office at 676-6441 for questions about religious accommodation. Members seeking exemptions are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Vaccination non-compliance: Without a pending religious accommodation request or authorized medical exemption, any refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may result in administrative and/or punitive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, visit https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2765008/daf-announces-mandatory-covid-vaccine-implementation-guidelines-for-airmen-guar/

 

COVID-19 VACCINE AVAILABILITY

At this time, the 39th MDG is currently offering the vaccine and booster shot to all eligible TRICARE beneficiaries. Please contact the 39th MDG at 0322 316 6666 or 676-6666 for the latest information on vaccine availability. If you are a TRICARE beneficiary residing within the country of Turkey, please contact the TRICARE office at 0322 316 3373 or DSN 676-3373. 

Prevention Measures

The following procedures have been implemented for Incirlik Air Base in accordance with HPCON B Plus measures when applicable:

-  Maintain physical separation from others by a minimum of six feet when possible.

-  Practice enhanced hygiene and sanitation, including frequent cleaning of common-use items and regular handwashing.

-  Telework when effective.

-  Use alternative communication methods as a substitute for in-person meetings when possible.

All members that are placed on quarters MUST be reported to public health.

Continue to practice the following guidelines to help mitigate the possible spread of the virus.

-  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

-  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

-  Stay home when you are sick - report quarters to public health.

- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

What To Do

IF you have a fever and one of the symptoms of respiratory illness (e.g. cough or shortness of breath)
AND meet ONE of the following criteria:

  • Travelled to an affected region in the last 14 days
  • Been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days

 

THEN - please stay home and call the DoD Nurse Advice Line at:

  • From a DSN line: 676-6666, option 1
  • From a Turkish cell phone: 0322-316-6666, option 1
  • From a US cell phone: 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1, then option 2

 

You can also reach out to your healthcare provider through TRICARE Online Secure Messaging:

https://tricare.mil/securemessage

DO NOT walk into the medical group seeking an appointment if feeling symptoms. Call the DoD Nurse Advice Line FIRST.

Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

DoD Guidance

Helpful Links

More Information

AFPC assignments FAQs as of April 10, click here
For more information from the Department of Defense, click here
For the latest information from USAFE-AFAFRICA, click here
For any other travel information outside of EUCOM, click here
For information from MyPers, click here
For more information from the CDC on COVID-19, click here
For information from usa.gov, click here
For information on WAPS testing guidance, click here

Incirlik Helping Agencies

39 ABW helping agencies remain committed to providing assistance to airmen and their families throughout the COVID-19 response. While the helping agencies will temporarily limit workplace visits, they will remain open to provide support and assistance. If you or a fellow Airman needs assistance, please contact any of the helping agencies using the following means:

Official helping agencies site

** WhatsApp capable

  • Emergencies (24 hours):

      T-Mobile / Turkcell: 0322-316-0112

      Sprint / AT&T / Verizon: 011-90-322-316-0112

      DSN: 676-0112

  • Area Defense Council

      DSN: 676-9920

      +90-322-316-9920

  • Chaplain:

      24-Hr Response: +90-549-821-4036 **   

      DSN: 676-6441

  • Equal Opportunity (EO):

      DSN: 676-6210

      24-Hr Response: +90-549-821-4359/4357 **

      Email: 39ABW.EO@us.af.mil

  • Inspector General (IG):

      24-Hr Response: +90-549-821-4043 / 4053 / 4081 **

      39ABW.IG@us.af.mil

      DSN: 676-8448

      Email: 39ABW.IG@us.af.mil

  • Mental Health:

      DSN: 676-6452 (7 days a week 0800-1300)

  • Airman & Family Readiness Center):

      Cell: +90-549-821-4462

      DSN: 676-6755

  • Nurse Advice Line (24 hours):

      DSN: 676-6666 Option 3

      1-800-TRICARE9874-2274) option 1, then option 2

     TRICARE Secure Messaging (use Google Chrome)

  • Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC):

      24-Hr Response Commercial:  +90-549-821-4599 **

      DSN:  676-7272

      Facebook Messenger: "Incirlik SAPR"

      Email: 39ABW.SARC@us.af.mil

  • Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC):

​     WhatsApp:  404-449-7584

     Zoom Walk-ins:  https://centene.zoom.us/j/2169002606

     Email:  carlotta.r.pender@healthnet.com