39th ABW commander visits Izmir

  • Published
  • By Tanju Varlıklı
  • 425th Air Base Squadron Host Nation Advisor
IZMIR, Turkey --  

Col. Jason Gingrich, 39th Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Scott Shrier, 39th ABW command chief, visited the 425th Air Base Squadron at Izmir from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16, as part of their visit to geographically separated units in Izmir and Ankara to interact with the Airmen and to see things firsthand.

Gingrich and Shrier were briefed by flight chiefs, staff agencies and tenant organizations during the three-day GSU visit.

The itinerary included an All Call with 425th Air Base Squadron Airmen, meeting NATO LANDCOM leaders, and touring the facilities at Izmir Consolidated Center, NATO Headquarters Allied Land Command as well as Çiğli Air Base.

“It is always great to have the 39th ABW leadership visit Izmir and talk with the personnel in the 425th ABS,” said Lt. Col. Todd Rotramel, 425th Air Base Squadron commander. “The perspective they gain from seeing firsthand the partnerships that we’ve created with NATO and Çiğli AB leadership is invaluable. We look forward to our next visit from the fine men and women of the 39th ABW.”

Gingrich addressed a wide range of topics and sought out Airmen’s views on mission related issues and other concerns during the tour of facilities at ICC, NATO and Çiğli AB. The immersions also gave him a chance to get to know every Airman and local national of the 425th.

Gingrich held an All Call at NATO to hear Airmen’s and local nationals’ views on mission-related topics and to listen to their concerns. He learned their stories and coined four Airmen and a local national for their dedication to the mission at the All Call and while touring facilies at the Izmir Consolidated Center. The 39th ABW commander said he was impressed with the Izmir community.   

“I truly enjoyed this opportunity to get to know the men and women of the 425th Air Base Squadron and learn about the uniqueness of your mission. The support you provide to Çiğli Air Base, as well as to our many allies and partners in Izmir, was inspiring,” Gingrich said.

“The 425th ABS has a challenging and diverse mission. Chief Shrier’s and my visit has given me the assurances I was looking for that we have the right people with the right focus to make sure the job gets done. I look forward to working with you to ensure you have the resources required to continue providing world-class support and maintaining the strong relationship you have cultivated with our Turkish hosts,” he said.

Chief Master Sgt. Shrier engaged with Airmen during an All Call at NATO. Shrier praised the efforts of the Izmir community members and said that the men and women of the 425th ABS, to include active duty, civilian and contractors, serve a crucial role in supporting NATO allies. “Our visit here has given us a much clearer sight picture of how extensive and how important their mission is. They serve not only as great Airmen but as ambassadors to NATO, Turkey and our sister services,” Shrier said.

“Chief Shrier's enlisted perspective on the future of the Air Force was very enlightening and well received by every Airman who attended the All Call,” said Airman 1st Class Latasia Hollimon, 425th ABS commander’s support staff technician. “It's always great to have the senior leadership from Incirlik visit us and provide guidance and leadership.”

Izmir military and local community members expressed their appreciation for the guidance and support they receive from 39th ABW and MSG leaders and look forward to future visits.