Action line #80610 - Storknesting

  • Published
  • By Anonymous
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint:

I am very disappointed by the new stork nesting plan that has come into affect for spouses. As a military member myself and due to give birth next month, I feel my husband who is military too, should have more time to accompany me to Ankara as this is my first child and, along with many others in this situation, it is already uncomfortable for us to have to deliver in a foreign country off base. Not only off base but several hours away from our home.

I feel it is unfair to do this alone and for my spouse to miss the birth of our baby. The changes that were made came as a shock. There was never a warning about this as we had to use our leave for an emergency. We thought we would have 10 days TDY to use. I feel the military and base should work with families on this issue because this is an accompanied base without a maternity ward.

Please rethink the new stork nesting plan to more accommodate families and make their tour and delivery more comfortable while stationed at Incirlik AB.

Response: 

As you know, Storknesting is a top priority for the 39 ABW at Incirlik. There are currently two Storknesting locations; Landstuhl, Germany and Ankara, Turkey. Both locations meet US standards, and we've received multiple favorable reports on both hospitals. Most couples choose to stay in-country and deliver at Mesa hospital in Ankara. There's some good reasons for this: it allows more opportunities for the spouse and other family members to come visit on weekends prior to delivery, it prevents having to take excess leave, and for parents who already have children, staying in-country helps the family return to a normal routine much sooner.

Our previous Storknesting policy was often misinterpreted. The "10-day TDY" you refer to was only a permissive TDY and up to the unit commander to approve. Mission needs dictated how long an active duty member could be away and 10 days was not always granted. The new Storknesting policy now standardizes the time, authorizes non-medical attendant status and permissive TDY is not allowed (never really was specifically authorized under the AF Instructions). Personal leave is suitable for this, helping to ensure the spouse won't miss the birth. Remember, the active duty spouse can be gone for no more than a total of 30 days. This policy was first briefed in May 2008 at the 39 ABW Commander's Town Hall meeting.

The 39th Medical Group Chief of Medical Services considers it medically essential for a support person to be present 48 hours after birth. To help ensure this happens, there are multiple flights to Ankara and two that are one-hour direct flights daily. We will make every attempt to ensure your support person is present for the delivery. Non-medical attendant, a funded TDY, is granted for a total of five days (two travel days, day of birth and 48 hours after birth). Any other time away from work for the active duty spouse/support person is considered leave. Unit commanders may grant advanced leave per AFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, 20 Oct 2005, para 6.3.3. This may be a viable option for your spouse.

The current Storknesting policy letter, #08-12, can be viewed on the Incirlik Portal. Additional information is available in the "Ankara Scene" newsletter. Please contact our Storknesting Coordinator at 676-8722 to ensure you are added to the e-mailgroup to receive it. It is also recommended that if you have any questions or concerns, to write them down to discuss at your next OB appointment.