DECA team visits Incirlik Nov. 19-21

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Heather Stanton
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement team will leave Incirlik Nov. 21 after a three-day inspection required by the 28-year agreement between the United States and Turkey. 

The DECA is a constitution of Turkish and American military agreements that outlines various accords between the two countries. 

"The team's focus is to verify activities on Incirlik are in accordance with the DECA," said Mehmet Birbiri, 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs host nation advisor. "They ensure that, as allies, we are operating smoothly." 

The team visits Incirlik and its geographically-separated units annually and, within the last year, the 39th Air Base Wing and 10th Tanker Base Command have seen improvements on some issues. 

"One issue from last year was the employment of disabled individuals," said Master Sgt. Shanti Leiker, 39 ABW DECA inspection coordinator. "Every effort is made to comply with the required special employment percentages. Presently, we employ the full number of disabled individuals required by Turkish labor law." 

The team is comprised of the Turkish General Staff, Office of Defense Cooperation, the Turkish Air Force and representatives from various ministries that review issues in six categories: leadership, communication, security, labor, customs, construction and environment, said Sergeant Leiker. 

"During the visit, the team will immerse itself within each category," said Sergeant Leiker. "Both U.S. and Turkish personnel will bring up concerns to be addressed. Some can be resolved quickly, others will need to be studied." 

When the inspection is complete, the team will prepare a report for both sides as a summary of closed and outstanding issues, said Sergeant Leiker. Progress updates are then sent to the DECA team quarterly from both sides. 

United States and Turkish forces continue to work together in many aspects on Incirlik to ensure the job gets done. 

"Turkey has been a U.S. ally for more than 55 years," said Col. Phil McDaniel, 39 ABW commander. "Brig. Gen. Haluk Selvi, 10 TBC commander, and I are committed to resolving any challenges that may arise. The DECA process is an excellent way to manage our associations as we work toward mission success."