Incirlik Air Base marks 70th anniversary of USAFE activation Published Feb. 24, 2025 By Ryan Collins, Lt. Col. Travis Halleman, and Dr. Peter Rayls 39th Air Base Wing and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa History Offices INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye -- Friday, Feb. 21, marked the 70th anniversary of U.S. Air Forces in Europe activating Adana Airfield, later renamed Incirlik Air Base on Feb. 28, 1958. Initially operated by the 7216th Air Base Squadron, the airfield played a key role in early Cold War operations, including supporting Operation OVERFLIGHT, which conducted U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance missions over the Soviet Union. In 1958, Incirlik played an important role in Operation BLUE BAT, reinforcing Lebanese President Camille Chamoun against internal opposition and external threats from Syria. During the operation, Incirlik hosted hundreds of aircraft, Airmen, and Soldiers. Throughout the 1980s, the base remained a crucial deterrent against aggression toward NATO’s southern flank. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the 7440th Composite Wing assumed operational control of the 39th Tactical Group, Incirlik’s host unit at the time. The 7440th CW became the air component of Joint Task Force PROVEN FORCE, which eventually commanded 140 aircraft that opened a northern front in Iraq. This forced Iraq to divide its air defenses between the north and the south, where the primary coalition offensive was concentrated during Operation DESERT STORM. After the Gulf War, Incirlik hosted Combined Task Force PROVIDE COMFORT I, II, and III, facilitating humanitarian relief and protecting Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq. In 1993, the 39th Wing, linked to the 39th Bombardment Group from World War II, became the host wing for U.S. forces at Incirlik. The base again played a central role in Operation NORTHERN WATCH, which began on Jan. 1, 1997, enforcing the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone for Iraqi aircraft north of the 36th parallel. Incirlik also proved vital in supporting American and coalition operations during the early days of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003. Today, Incirlik continues to play a critical role in NATO’s efforts to secure its southern flank amid the evolving dynamics of great power competition. Beyond military operations, Incirlik has long served as a hub for multinational humanitarian assistance. The base was a key staging point for allied aircraft delivering supplies following the Van earthquake in Türkiye on Nov. 24, 1976. It again played a vital role in relief efforts after back-to-back earthquakes near Istanbul in August and November 1999, with the 39th Tactical Group deploying a Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team to aid the mission. In October 2005, the 39th Air Base Wing responded to a massive earthquake in Pakistan. The following year, in 2006, Incirlik facilitated the evacuation of 1,714 American citizens from Lebanon amid conflict between Israeli forces and Lebanese Hezbollah. Most recently, personnel from the U.S., Türkiye, Spain, and Poland stationed at Incirlik played a crucial role in disaster response efforts following the Feb. 6, 2023, earthquake in Hatay, Türkiye. Reflecting on the deep ties between the U.S. and Türkiye, President John F. Kennedy stated in November 1963: “[Mustafa Kemal] Ataturk was deeply interested in the friendly relations that have traditionally existed between [Türkiye] and the United States. He noted our democratic governments and once said prophetically, ‘We are friends now, and we will be much closer friends in the future.’” As Incirlik Air Base commemorates 70 years of history, it remains a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Türkiye, fulfilling the vision of Ataturk and Kennedy through its continued mission in regional security and humanitarian support. Incirlik Air Base marks 70th anniversary of USAFE activation An RB-47E prepares for flight operations at Incirlik in 1961. (Courtesy photo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Incirlik Air Base marks 70th anniversary of USAFE activation An F-16 prepared to take off from Incirlik AB in February 2003 as part of Operation NORTHERN WATCH just prior to the start of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. (Courtesy photo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Incirlik Air Base Marks 70th Anniversary of USAFE Activation An A-10 arrives at Incirlik AB in 2015. (Courtesy photo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res