Controllers keep finger on pulse of Incirlik, Air Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William A. O'Brien
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Operating around the clock every day, the 39th Air Base Wing command post is responsible for relaying emergency messages across the base and to commanders, along with getting emergency responders to emergencies quickly.

"We work 12-hour shifts," said Tech. Sgt. Donna M. Barnhill, 39th ABW CP training manager. "The command post is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We work holidays, down days and training days. There are always controllers working in the command post."

While working in the command post, operations can vary based on what's happening around base. At any time, a controller may need to initiate base-wide recalls, notify the base of weather warnings, make force protection changes or make any other notification.

"Command post runs quick-reaction checklists. When there's something going on around base, we're notified and we disseminate that information as applicable," said Staff Sgt. Charles J. Frady, 39th ABW CP controller. "For example, if a medical response or police response is needed, we gather the information from the caller and we call the people who need to know: commanders, first sergeants, hospital, fire fighters, police or medical providers -- places like that."

Through the command post, emergency responders are notified of when they're needed, the controllers give them information about what's happening allowing them to be better prepared.

"If there was no command post, it would be hard to get the right people responding to where they need to go in emergency situations," said Frady. "If something really bad was to happen and we were to change reaction levels for the base, nobody would get that information without us because we're the only ones trained and certified on how to disseminate that information."

The training and certification to relay information across the base extends past technical training and includes a robust training regimen while on station, as well.

"As NCO (in charge) of training, I'm responsible for a vigorous training, testing and certification program," explained Barnhill. "I am responsible for 15 controllers' certification, upgrade and auxiliary training to make sure they are ready at any moment for what may happen on the console."

Like many other occupations around base, host-nation relationships greatly shape the day-to-day operations for the Airmen. The command post is no different. Unlike any base where he's been stationed before, Frady says working with the host nation changes the complexity of his job.

"Command post varies from base to base. I've never been to a base where the command post has the same mission as another base," said Frady. "Here, because of the unique mission we have and being with the host nation, that provides a lot of unique situations and circumstances."

As controllers working at Incirlik's command post, Frady and Barnhill enjoy the responsibility of disseminating information across the base to keep the mission running.

"We get to know a lot. I enjoy being privileged to the information about things happening around base. We get to see the inner workings of the base and see what's going on behind the scenes," said Frady.

"I like how important my job is," added Barnhill. "I like knowing that the information that I pass on to the wing commander has an effect on his decisions that he makes for the base. I enjoy emergency management and getting the right people the right information in a timely manner."