Italian government hosts Airmen, families from Incirlik Published Nov. 25, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Michael Battles 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- With the holidays approaching, the Italian government has afforded Airmen and their families stationed at Incirlik Air Base a chance to getaway on leisure travel to Aviano Air Base, Italy via the 728th Air Mobility Squadron's space available travel program, here. Departing on Dec. 9, service members and their dependents, as well as Department of Defense employees on a first come, first serve basis may depart to Aviano AB, no visas required, with a return date of Dec. 16. "I'm really impressed with our Airmen's efforts to pull this program off in such a short time," said Maj. Michelle Charleston, 724th Air Mobility Squadron commander. "It is a testament to their innovative thinking and the partnerships they have carefully cultivated with their host nation partners, both here in Italy as well as in Turkey and Germany." In addition to the roughly 40 seats made available to passengers for the week-long trip, Aviano's temporary lodging facility, Mountain Home Lodge, has made rooms available for passengers utilizing the Italian government facilitated trip. "We are thrilled to be able to invite our Incirlik teammates to sign up for Space A travel to visit Aviano and enjoy 6 stress-free days in Italy," said Col. Bryan Wolford, 31 Fighter Wing Vice Commander, and former 39th Operations Squadron Commander. "Our recent deployment of the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to Incirlik AB reaffirmed the 31 FW and 39 ABW strong partnership, and we are grateful to our Italian hosts for approving this travel opportunity between our bases." For travelers planning to depart Dec. 9, the following documents must be hand carried for 8 days or less: · A signed Travelers Statement of Understanding · Passports for all passengers · Military identification · Command Sponsorship Letter For more than eight days in Italy, individuals must submit the following seven days prior to traveling: · A signed Travelers Statement of Understanding · A signed Dichiarazione Soggiorno (Declaration of Presence); must include colored, passport sized photos on document · One form per adult with children listed on the form · A copy of passports All documents must be submitted via email to 31SFS.S5PR.Soggiorno@us.af.mil. Upon arrival at Aviano AB, all passengers must visit the Aviano Soggiorno Office Building 1413, Rm. 142 on the first available Thursday to obtain a return stamp on their Dichiarazione Soggiorno for their return flight to Incirlik AB. Failure to obtain the stamp will result in return delays or return denial. To obtain the return stamp passengers must present the following to the Aviano Soggiorno Office: · Passports for all travelers · An additional passport photo for each traveler · Military identification · Command Sponsorship Letter Those interested in participating in the trip should notify their supervisor and chain of command. Additionally, DoD personnel must receive a foreign travel briefing from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations prior to traveling to any foreign country, regardless of method of travel. Incirlik's AFOSI offers a weekly foreign travel briefing every Thursday at 10 a.m. in building 488. For more information, contact the 728th AMS at 676-6001.