39th ABW earns Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award

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INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye --  

The 39th Air Base Wing was recently awarded the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award for its meritorious service from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2023.

The Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.

“This recognition highlights the incredible teamwork and dedication of our Airmen as they executed the mission under challenging circumstances," said U.S. Air Force Col. Brandon McBrayer, 39th ABW commander. "Their efforts reflect the highest standards of excellence and resilience.”

During the award period, the 39th ABW played a critical role in supporting international disaster relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023.

Working with 27 NATO nations, the wing managed a 600% surge in aircraft operations, facilitating the delivery of 3,000 rescuers and 19,000 tons of humanitarian aid to assist 2.7 million displaced citizens.

Additionally, the wing designed a 45,000-square-foot medical facility, including a $15.3 million field hospital that provided care for 1.6 million individuals.

Moreover, the wing was vital in leading a premiere Bomber Task Force mission, certifying engine-on refueling sites while managing a $2.3 million runway construction project, demonstrating B-1B Lancer capabilities at the NATO’s southern flank.

Personnel assigned to the wing during the award period are permitted to wear the ASOUA ribbon after confirming their record is updated.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Vasquez, a fuels equipment maintenance supervisor assigned to the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, coordinates an R-11 fuel truck movement near a German Air Force A400M Atlas military transport aircraft in support of Turkish government earthquake relief operations March 3, 2023, at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye. U.S. military organizations are working with interagency colleagues to harness the unique capabilities available to assist those affected by the earthquakes. The U.S. military’s role during these relief missions is to rapidly respond to this natural disaster with critical support capabilities and life-saving equipment, transporting assistance for aid areas the government of Türkiye deems most necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Fueling the flight line, U.S. Airmen support Turkish government humanitarian mission

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Vasquez, a fuels equipment maintenance supervisor assigned to the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, coordinates an R-11 fuel truck movement near a German Air Force A400M Atlas military transport aircraft in support of Turkish government earthquake relief operations March 3, 2023, at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye. U.S. military organizations are working with interagency colleagues to harness the unique capabilities available to assist those affected by the earthquakes. The U.S. military’s role during these relief missions is to rapidly respond to this natural disaster with critical support capabilities and life-saving equipment, transporting assistance for aid areas the government of Türkiye deems most necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)
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Members of the United States Agency for International Development’s Disaster Assistance Response Team arrive at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 8, 2023. The DART is assigned to lead the U.S. government humanitarian response following a series of earthquakes that struck central-southern Türkiye on Feb. 6, 2023. The DART includes urban search and rescue teams from the Fairfax and Los Angeles County Fire Departments. The teams are traveling with 159 people, 12 rescue dogs, and 170,000 pounds of specialized equipment. As a fellow NATO ally, the U.S. Government mobilized personnel to assist in Türkiye in their response efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David D. McLoney)

U.S. Ambassador Jeffry Flake greets USAID volunteers arriving to Incirlik AB

Members of the United States Agency for International Development’s Disaster Assistance Response Team arrive at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 8, 2023. The DART is assigned to lead the U.S. government humanitarian response following a series of earthquakes that struck central-southern Türkiye on Feb. 6, 2023. The DART includes urban search and rescue teams from the Fairfax and Los Angeles County Fire Departments. The teams are traveling with 159 people, 12 rescue dogs, and 170,000 pounds of specialized equipment. As a fellow NATO ally, the U.S. Government mobilized personnel to assist in Türkiye in their response efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David D. McLoney)
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Senior Airman Caleb Hargrove, right, an air transportation specialist assigned to the 728th Air Mobility Squadron, and Senior Airman Devin Shaloy, a passenger services specialist assigned to the 721st Aerial Port Squadron located at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, direct a Tunner 60k Loader at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 18, 2023.

Incirlik Port Dawgs offload Medical Shelters for Humanitarian Relief Aid

Senior Airman Caleb Hargrove, right, an air transportation specialist assigned to the 728th Air Mobility Squadron, and Senior Airman Devin Shaloy, a passenger services specialist assigned to the 721st Aerial Port Squadron located at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, direct a Tunner 60k Loader at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 18, 2023. Medical shelters and equipment were delivered to provide aid to those in need following the earthquakes that struck Türkiye on Feb. 6. The U.S. military is working in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the government of Türkiye and our Allies and partners to provide relief to the people of Türkiye. The 39th Air Base Wing is one of several U.S. military units supporting Task Force 61/2, operating under U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Sixth Fleet and U.S. European Command as part of the International Turkish disaster relief efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua T. Crossman)
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United States Agency for International Development and U.S. Embassy personnel survey the field hospital on the grounds of Mustafa Kemal University in Serinyol, Hatay, Türkiye, March 7, 2023

The U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye hands over DoD field hospital to Turkish Government’s Ministry of Health

United States Agency for International Development and U.S. Embassy personnel survey the field hospital on the grounds of Mustafa Kemal University in Serinyol, Hatay, Türkiye, March 7, 2023. At the request of the Turkish government, U.S. military personnel assigned to 39th Air Base Wing and Task Force 61/2 were tasked with building a field hospital for the citizens affected by the Feb. 6 earthquakes. On March 7, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, Jeffry Flake, officially handed over the field hospital on the grounds of Mustafa Kemal University to the Turkish Government's Ministry of Health on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua T. Crossman)
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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Clarissa Muñoz, Airman 1st Class Brenan Grape, both fuels distribution operators assigned to the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Moran, fuels distribution supervisor also with the 39th LRS, refuel a Ukrainian Antonov Airlines AN-124 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft in support of Turkish government earthquake relief operations March 3, 2023, at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye. U.S. military organizations are working with interagency colleagues to harness the unique capabilities available to assist those affected by the February 6 earthquakes. The U.S. military’s role during these relief missions is to rapidly respond to this natural disaster with critical support capabilities and life-saving equipment, transporting assistance for aid areas the government of Türkiye deems most necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Fueling the flight line, U.S. Airmen support Turkish government humanitarian mission

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Clarissa Muñoz, Airman 1st Class Brenan Grape, both fuels distribution operators assigned to the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Moran, fuels distribution supervisor also with the 39th LRS, refuel a Ukrainian Antonov Airlines AN-124 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft in support of Turkish government earthquake relief operations March 3, 2023, at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye. U.S. military organizations are working with interagency colleagues to harness the unique capabilities available to assist those affected by the February 6 earthquakes. The U.S. military’s role during these relief missions is to rapidly respond to this natural disaster with critical support capabilities and life-saving equipment, transporting assistance for aid areas the government of Türkiye deems most necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)
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Senior Airman Caleb Hargrove, an air transportation specialist assigned to the 728th Air Mobility Squadron, prepares to unload medical shelters and equipment at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 18, 2023.

Incirlik Port Dawgs offload Medical Shelters for Humanitarian Relief Aid

Senior Airman Caleb Hargrove, an air transportation specialist assigned to the 728th Air Mobility Squadron, prepares to unload medical shelters and equipment at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 18, 2023. The medical shelters and equipment will be utilized to provide aid to those in need following the earthquakes that struck Türkiye on Feb. 6. The U.S. military is working in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the government of Türkiye and our Allies and partners to provide relief to the people of Türkiye. The 39th Air Base Wing is one of several U.S. military units supporting Task Force 61/2, operating under U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Sixth Fleet and U.S. European Command as part of the International Turkish disaster relief efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua T. Crossman)
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