AVD for Incirlik extended an additional 30 days Published Nov. 5, 2015 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The authorized voluntary departure of dependents from Turkey for those assigned to Incirlik AB or living in the surrounding area, which includes the city of Adana, has been extended for an additional 30 days Nov. 2, 2015. The extension was approved by the Department of Defense to continue ensuring the safety and security of dependents. The new extended departure window now closes Dec. 2. Dependents may choose to depart Turkey at any time during the departure window, but will not be able to return to Incirlik AB until the AVD has ended. "This decision was not reached easily; it is based on the current security environment, the continuation of military operations and keeping our dependents' best interests at the front of our decision-making process," said Col. John Walker, 39th Air Base Wing commander. "The safety and security of my Airmen and their families is one of my top priorities." To date, 29 families, encompassing of 68 command-sponsored dependents, have utilized the AVD program. "I understand that the continuation of the voluntary departure authorization will create stress for the families affected. At every step of the process planners and squadron commanders are taking the necessary measures to ease the transition as much as possible," Walker added. The departure window can continuously be extended in 30-day increments, up to 180 days. The newest extension will take the AVD authorization out to 90 days. Along with the continuation of the AVD, the suspension of DOD funded travel to Incirlik AB and Adana, Turkey, for dependents is still in effect. More information regarding the voluntary departure will continue to be released as it becomes available. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Voluntary Departure tab on the Incirlik AB website here.