Defense Secretary visits Incirlik AB Published Dec. 16, 2015 By Senior Airman Krystal Ardrey 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter and his wife, Stephanie, visited Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 15, 2015. The Secretary's holiday visit afforded his wife and him the chance to visit with service members and their families, as well as show their gratitude to those serving for their respective country. "I am here at Incirlik to visit with our service members and their families in this holiday seasons," Carter stated in an interview. "That is the principle reason for my visit at this time - to thank them in recognition of the fact that they're not home; they're defending us and bringing a better life for our children. I had a lot of opportunity to thank them for what they are doing to defeat ISIL." While at Incirlik, Carter hosted a troop-talk with U.S. and coalition force military members, a town hall for dependents and met with Airmen from various squadrons to get a firsthand look at how Incirlik AB supports Operation Inherent Resolve. During the troop talk with U.S. Airmen and coalition partners, Carter expressed his confidence in their ability to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. "This is civilizations standing up for the principles we all collectively stand for to defeat something truly evil," Carter said. "We will win. We are good against evil. We are the mighty and we will win, but we need to hasten that defeat. That's why I'm so pleased we, speaking for America, have partners." Carter also spoke about the importance of Incirlik in "anchoring the southern flank of the NATO alliance."