New procedures get Airmen, Civs safely to and from Adana Airport

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wilson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  In order to meet force protection policies, the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Vehicle Operations Flight, has new procedures for Incirlik residents from the Adana airport to Incirlik Air Base. 

These force protection procedures are established for the safety of passengers and drivers while at the airport. These new procedures are: 

· After departing the terminal, personnel should go straight to the pickup vehicle and place all baggage, except any carry-ons beside the vehicle 

· The driver will load all baggage when the passengers are securely inside 

· Do not stand outside or walk around while waiting for the vehicle to leave 

· As a security measure the driver will keep all doors, except the passenger-loading door, locked while waiting for passengers 

· Passengers who suspect something unusual while sitting at the airport should inform the driver, who will make immediate contact with local authorities. 

· Drivers are not authorized to make unscheduled stops along the route to base 

"We are all potential targets when traveling off-base," said Master Sergeant Joel Heidlage, 39th Air Base Wing Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection office chief of force protection. "Always maintain situational awareness and execute personal protective measures while traveling abroad." 

Sergeant Heidlage recommends the Airmen review the current ATFP Directive on the Incirlik Portal. 

"Personal Protective measures are available on Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Guide 5260 and are also available on the ATFP Directive page," he said. "The key here is to avoid routine." 

Additional safety measures taken by the driver can include checking the undercarriage with a mirror to make sure the vehicle was not tampered with while it was left unaccompanied, holding a sign with the passenger's name that does not include rank and requiring all passengers to show photo identification. 

If the driver is not at the terminal, wait patiently near the terminal exit. There is sometimes confusion about which terminal passengers will arrive. The driver should check both terminals. 

"Communication is key," says Mr. Edwin Jones, 39 LRS Vehicle Operations supervisor. "Please contact us in advance so we can send the proper vehicle to accommodate the number of people you have." 

Incirlik passengers may schedule rides to and from the Adana Airport by calling the vehicle dispatch at 676-6756. Personnel may be reached at this number twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Passengers are asked to inform the dispatch office on the number of passengers who will be traveling and if they will be traveling with pets. 

Whether traveling on military orders or for personal reasons, it is important Airmen stay vigilant and constantly exercise situational awareness. For more information on force protection call the 39 ABW Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection office at 676-1661/6657/6658.