Incirlik AB proves NEO preparedness

Carla Bigger, 39th Air Base Wing spouse, laughs with Staff Sgt. Adrienne McDonald, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing manager, while processing during the noncombatant evacuation operation exercise Oct. 30, 2013, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. During the exercise 190 dependents and 13 pets were processed from start to finish. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chase Hedrick/Released)

Incirlik AB proves NEO preparedness

Senior Airman Cedric Gray, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, carries pet Theodore to the dog holding area during the noncombatant evacuation operation Oct. 30, 2013, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. A NEO is directed by the U.S. Department of State out of an abundance of caution when American citizens located overseas may be in danger from a variety of circumstances, ranging from natural disasters to regional unrest. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chase Hedrick/Released)

Incirlik AB proves NEO preparedness

Jennifer Blount, 39th Air Base Wing spouse, and Maj. Keith Blount, 39th Air Base Wing director of inspections, speak with Senior Airman Ariel Fischer, 39th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician, about pay and finances during the noncombatant evacuation operation Oct. 30, 2013, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The exercise tested the command and control, notification and passenger processing functions of a NEO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chase Hedrick/Released)

Incirlik AB proves NEO preparedness

Published Nov. 4, 2013
By Senior Airman Chase Hedrick
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The 39th Air Base Wing conducted a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation exercise here Oct. 28 to 30 that tested the wing's command and control, notification and passenger processing functions.

The exercise validated the ability of Incirlik AB Airmen to conduct a NEO, while at the same time provided dependents an opportunity to experience the process. One-hundred and ninety dependent volunteers and 13 pets were familiarized with the passenger-processing aspect of a NEO that include gathering at the squadron rally point, going through the "deployment" line and receiving a pre-departure brief from a variety of wing agencies.

"I thought the process went very well, especially having four children," said Sheree Claudio, a 39th Medical Operations Squadron spouse. "It seemed like they had everything ready for us. They had a movie to watch, we had snacks here, it seemed like a seamless process and it was a no-brainer."

Organizations from across the base had a hand in the exercise, from the primary evacuee processing line to providing security, amenities and other important functions, said Master Sgt. Christopher Ingram, 39th Force Support Squadron Airman and family readiness center superintendant.

A large play area with a bouncy castle, games, movies and activities was provided as well as light refreshments from first sergeants through the chapel. After assessing the processing function Ingram added that each evacuee processed much faster than anticipated, demonstrating the wing's readiness.

A NEO is directed by the U.S. Department of State out of an abundance of caution when American citizens located overseas may be in danger from a variety of circumstances ranging from natural disasters to regional unrest.

"I am fully convinced we are ready to evacuate our dependents to a safe location should the situation ever require it," said Col. Craig Wills, 39th Air Base Wing commander. "I am proud of the work our Airmen and families did for this exercise, and I'm excited to see more progress as we continue to cultivate a culture of readiness here at Incirlik Air Base."