Turkish, American partnership keeps Incirlik safe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  At most bases, only American forces join together to patrol the base and keep the community safe.

Here at Incirlik Air Base, the 39th Security Forces Squadron has a unique way of doing things.

Members of the 39th SFS and the Turkish air force (also referred to as THK) partner together to patrol the base to ensure the members of Team Incirlik are kept safe and assets are protected.

The joint patrol usually consists of one security forces Airman and one THK member. They wear different uniforms, speak different languages and sometimes have a very different way of doing business, but their partnership works and their shared mission proves to be vital for the security of the base.

"Our Turkish partners are usually more familiar with the base and speak the language; they are a tremendous help for us," said Airman 1st Class Mark Rizza, 39th SFS patrolman. "Without them it would be impossible at times to communicate with some of the Turkish-speaking civilians or get to certain places on base as quickly."

During their 12-hour shift, the team will spend the majority of the day patrolling the base looking for suspicious activity, securing buildings, performing random anti-terrorism measures and responding to emergency situations.

Even though the 39th SFS and the THK are two separate security forces entities with separate responsibilities concerning security, the merger between the two helps keep a constant flow of communication and enables the joint patrol to help anyone on base.

"We are responsible for the safety and security of our own people and assets and THK members control entry onto the base," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Schaefer, 39th SFS patrolman.

With people from different backgrounds working side by side so often it's inevitable to learn things from each other, Sergeant Schaefer said.

"One of the biggest things that I have learned from the THK is about the Turkish culture," said Airman Rizza. "It's not only really interesting to learn about a completely unfamiliar culture, I think it's really important as well. We are guests here in Turkey and it helps to be more knowledgeable about the culture while living here."