39 CONS: pivotal to Incirlik mission

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The 39th Contracting Squadron supports every squadron and member of Team Incirlik including its geographically-separated and tenant units, and is pivotal toward accomplishing the wing's mission. 

"The 39 CONS works with every squadron to make sure they have the equipment to do their part in the mission, and ensures the needs of all of Team Incirlik are met," said Maj. LaVonne Shingler, 39 CONS commander. "We do everything from supplying computers for personnel to getting contracts for our Airmen to be able to eat at the Sultan's Inn. Often times, we have to shop around to get the best prices so as to stay within budget." 

Airman 1st Class AnnMarie Strandhagen, 39 CONS contract apprentice believes her role is vital for Incirlik's mission. 

"I feel we are major contributors to the mission by assuring supply needs are met and by providing food for sustenance and a place to work," she said. "We also better the quality of life of all members by contracting for morale services such as sports referees, the club contractor and the current military family housing upgrades. The mission would be greatly affected if it weren't for the 39 CONS." 

Another facet that makes the 39 CONS different from other contracting squadrons is the Turkey Base Maintenance Contract. The TBMC has been in existence since 1958 and is comprised of Turkish nationals and U.S. civilians who administer support to many different squadrons on the installation. 

"The primary reason for TBMC's existence is 'infrastructure support' dealing with operations and maintenance of facilities and grounds," said Fred Moore, 39 CONS TBMC contract administrator. "We not only support the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, but we also work with food service, customs and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to provide full quality of life for the Incirlik community. 

Incirlik contractors provide a steady work force that allows continuity between personnel rotations. 

"Without [our contractors] the mission would be tough, because they provide all labor necessary to execute the wing's mission across Turkey relating to infrastructure support," stressed Mr. Moore. "These are dedicated local nationals who've been supporting the US government for many years and they supply the stability and continuity that would otherwise be lacking as U.S. personnel rotate regularly." 

All in all, the many roles and responsibilities of the 39 CONS make them crucial to the mission here on Incirlik because they impact the life of every member in some way. 

For more information about the 39 CONS, call 676-6015.