Incirlik runway repairs on schedule Published April 9, 2008 By Senior Airman Heather Stanton 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Incirlik runway repairs are proceeding as scheduled with the original completion date of April 22 looming on the not-too-distant horizon. The base's 10,001-foot runway closed March 9 in order for construction contractors to replace joint sealants and repair sections of the concrete. Other repairs taking place include a fuel-line replacement, paving the road to the precision approach radar, repainting all airfield markings, and installing new airfield information and guidance signs. This steady progression is due in part to the clear weather Incirlik has had the past few weeks, said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Lewis, 39th Operations Squadron airfield manager. Only eight days of work have been disrupted because of inclement weather. As of March 31, approximately 41 percent of the endeavor was completed, totaling more than 18,900 linear meters. "There have been approximately 80 holes filled in and more than 120 pavement repairs," said Sergeant Lewis. Many aspects of the runway have been affected by the closure, including traveling to and from Incirlik. "During the runway closure, all air travel is commercial out of Adana," said Maj. James Gump, 39 OS assistant operations officer. "There is no Space-A travel." Even though the runway is closed, it opens for short periods of time for mission-essential purposes. "Cargo comes in weekly to allow for base sustainment," said Major Gump. "We bring in frozen and refrigerated items for the commissary along with other high-priority items." The runway is scheduled to re-open at midnight April 23. Flight operations will be back to their pre-closure tempo within days of the runway opening.