Incirlik runway to close temporarily

  • Published
  • By By Lori Burling Alves
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Incirlik's runway will close to aircraft and passengers for seven weeks starting in March, due to a scheduled overhaul. Prior to this closing, Incirlik leaders are gathering information to develop alternatives for functions that depend on runway use. As a result, most Airmen and their dependents will not be affected by the closure.

"The runway is a living, breathing organism," said Maj. Jim Gump, 39th Operations Squadron Assistant Operations Officer. "It needs constant care and feeding. From time to time it needs major repair work, and this is that time. We've been working for the last six months to prepare for this and affect the least amount of people possible."

Major Gump said the 10,000-foot runway will undergo repairs beginning March 9 and should reopen April 22. Two major repairs are planned--repair damaged concrete and sealants along the runway.

"The concrete on the runway wears out over time because of weather, environmental issues and the impact of landing aircraft. Therefore, we need to repair that concrete," he said. "Also, the runway is not a continuous path of pavement but numerous concrete slabs connected together. The sealants between those slabs of concrete need to be replaced."

Several transportation functions were analyzed during the planning process, but "the biggest issue we had to resolve was transporting people to and from the base," said Major Gump. "Basically, that will be done by commercial aircraft through Adana's airport."

"Members of the Incirlik community who are departing during the seven-week runway closure will have to travel via commercial airlines," said Master Sgt. Stacie Parker, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Flight superintendent. TMO makes arrangements for personnel traveling on government orders.

"Personnel travel commercially in and out of Turkey all the time," said Sergeant Parker. "The most important thing we want everyone to remember is baggage allowances will differ based on destinations so please contact our office for specific information pertaining to your situation."

Airmen must also take into consideration pet restrictions if they will be traveling commercially with an animal. Different airlines may have varying weight restrictions and monetary rates for traveling pets, according to Capt. Robert Hawley, base veterinarian. Once an Airman's travel arrangements
are confirmed, the individual should
contact the airline to see what necessary documents are needed when traveling
with a pet.

"They will need the pet's health certificate, but some airlines also require a Certificate of Acclimation, which is a form I can print out at the clinic and sign for them," said Captain Hawley. Airmen must also remember that pet costs are not reimbursed by the military.

TMO also handles the shipping of personal property, which will not be affected by the runway closure, said 1st Lt. Demetria Hundley, 39 LRS TMO flight commander.

As for Airmen and families wanting to get a break from Incirlik, the Patriot Express will not be stoping in Turkey during the runway closure.

"During the runway closure we will not be able to move any Space Available passengers out of Incirlik," said Lt. Col. Chad Butts, 728th Air Mobility Squadron operations officer. Families wishing to travel via air during this time will have to fly commercially. However, they have the option of purchasing their own commercial plane ticket to Germany, and then sign up for Space Available travel to the United States from Ramstein Air Base, said Colonel Butts.
Pregnant Airmen and dependents who are expecting during the runway closure will most likely travel to Ankara for the birth, medical officials reported.

For more information regarding official travel during the seven-week runway closure, Airmen and their families should contact TMO at 676-6520.