90th EARS says good-bye to Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  For more than 10 years the 90th Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron has been present at Incirlik, but it is now time for the Airmen to head back to their respective bases. Though the 90th EARS operations have ceased at Incirlik, the squadron itself was relocated to Southwest Asia March 15 where Airmen from another base will pick up the new undertaking.

The members of the 90th EARS left their mark on Incirlik Air Base during their deployments here. As air refuelers, the 90th EARS did just what their name implies, refueling aircraft in flight.

"We started operations here back in 2002 during Operation Northern Watch," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Dawson, 90th EARS superintendant.

Incirlik at the time was a prime spot with its central location between Europe and Southwest Asia. This is why the squadron started up here in the first place, said Dawson.

Not only did they do their refueling misison but they also contributed volunteer time to the base and the community off-base, said Master Sgt. Carl Hojnacki, 90th EARS first sergeant.

On base members of the squadron helped out at a number of locations to include the library, commissary, and the Airman & Family Readiness Center. However, there are many units and organizations that contribute on the installation. Off base is where they really made an impact.

"From a local community standpoint, we've done quite a bit," said Dawson. "Last year we participated in the Turkish holiday, Feast of Sacrifice, where we bought a sheep and donated the meat to the poor. We've also donated thousands of hours at the schools for the blind and the deaf in the local area."

For Dawson, the 90th EARS departure leaves him with mixed feelings.

"It really is bitter sweet. I was here in 2002 and was one of the original folks to stand up the operations, though I had a few less stripes on me back then," Dawson said. "I was there when it started, and now I'll be here when it ends."

As the squadron gets ready for their next mission, Lt. Col. Gerard Malloy, 90th EARS commander, expressed his thanks to Incirlik.

"It's always a wonderful location to come to," Malloy said. "I think the 39th Air Base Wing has been a fantastic host and a great supporter of us here. It's a small Air Force, and eventually we will see others from here again down the road."