Polish Military Contingent welcomes new commander at Incirlik AB Published June 2, 2026 By Staff Sgt. Brieana E. Bolfing 39th Air Base Wing INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye -- The Polish Military Contingent conducted a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, May 26, 2026. During the ceremony, the outgoing commander, LT. Col. Łukasz Leśniewski, formally transferred authority and responsibility to the incoming commander, LT. Col. Arkadiusz Wirkus, symbolizing the continuation of the contingent’s mission on the installation. U.S. Air Force Col. Albert Esposito, 39th Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Sean Ellenburg, 39th ABW command chief, attended the ceremony to express their gratitude to the Polish leadership and personnel completing their rotation, and to extend a warm welcome to the incoming commander. During his speech, Wirkus shared excitement about working alongside the host nation partners. Meanwhile, their home unit, the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base in Mirosławiec, Poland, emphasized that the Polish presence at Incirlik AB stands as an expression of Allied solidarity, a shared responsibility for common safety, and a reaffirmation of Poland as a credible and ready partner. The service members of the Polish Military Contingent work alongside 39th ABW Airmen and Allied partners to enhance operational readiness and reinforce cooperation among NATO forces in the region. The ceremony highlighted the enduring partnership between Allied nations operating at the installation while honoring the leadership, service and dedication of both commanders.