Incirlik Airmen build partnership through motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Veronica Pierce
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Turkish and U.S. Air Force Airmen participated in a joint demonstration on best practices used for motorcycle safety Sept. 5, here.

The 39th Air Base Wing safety office assisted the Turkish air force 10th Tanker Base safety office, with enhancing the 10th Tanker Base motorcycle safety program.

"The training that took place was a demonstration of the motorcycle safety course we provide for Airmen to obtain the required qualifications to ride their motorcycles," said Master Sgt. Michael Asdel, 39th ABW ground safety manager.

Leading the demonstration was Master Sgt. Jamie Gallegos, 39th Communications Squadron cyber transport systems section chief. Gallegos, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider coach since 2008, brought experience of more than 33 years to the training.

The demonstration was modeled after the MSF Basic Rider Course II, formerly known as the Experienced Rider Course. The exercises demonstrate how to improve motorcycle control in limited space, and to improve the ability to avoid hazards, explained Gallegos.

While being stationed overseas, driving in a foreign country can pose risk due to unfamiliarity of conditions or local rules of the road.

"We share the roads here on Incirlik AB and in the community anytime we ride off base," said Gallegos. "By training together, we are able to learn from one another. As with any joint exercise or event, our training together is mutually beneficial because in the end, it's all about riding safely."

After the course the group rode around the base in a convoy, the riders gathered for lunch at Arkadas (which means friend in Turkish) Park, and continued to learn from one another.

With motorcycles lined side by side at the park, Turkish and American Airmen admired each other's bikes and discussed riding experiences. The riders also took the time shared popular motorcycle riding destinations around Turkey.

"We hope training like this will occur on an annual basis," said Asdel. "I believe it is critical for us to partner with our host nation as much as possible outside of normal operations to enhance a stronger alliance."