Our first 100 days and the vision for Incirlik's future

  • Published
  • By Col. "Tip" Stinnette
  • 30th Air Base Wing Commander
"Vision is a process that allows you to think ahead to where you want to be and what you want to be doing, and to create workable plans to lead you there." "Exercising vision is developing an understanding of where you are and where you're heading ... both as an individual and as an organization."

This article is the first of a three-part series on our Vision, Mission and Goals as a wing.

By now you should be familiar with all three components as they're on our Intranet Source Web page, linked to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Incirlik Homepage, posted in every work center, displayed on the Commander's Access Channel and briefed to every newcomer. The purpose behind this series of articles is to spend a few more words explaining each of the components so we can all understand them and rattle them off as well as we recite our core values.

Our Vision, "To project the most respected and versatile mission support capability in USAFE," translates to being the best in USAFE. If we scroll to the top of this article, Vision is all about knowing where we are, then projecting where we want to be. In 2004 we were named 'best small base in USAFE' and we had an award-winning Anti- Terrorist and Force Protection office. Over the course of the last 12 months we have passed two major inspections and established a robust support structure for expeditionary projection.

Additionally, over the last 100 days we have stood up two groups, the 39th Medical Group and the 425th Air Base Group at Izmir, and moved from 9th in USAFE to 3rd in the Combat Special Interest Programs which ensures we are ready to fight and postured to respond anywhere, while providing superior services to the men and women of Incirlik. Clearly, we know where we have been and where we are, and must now project where our Vision leads us next with a workable plan.

We want to be the best in USAFE! Our plan to get there is outlined in our Mission and Goals statement which is, "to provide full-spectrum, world-class forward operating base support to expeditionary forces while developing the professional talents of our men and women, and committing ourselves to the goals of focused mission support, fitness excellence and community services."

As we commit ourselves to our mission and supporting goals, I am convinced we will achieve our vision.

Over the last 100 days I have been impressed by our sense of community. It is a strength of Incirlik equaled by few other installations.

I've been impressed by our shared sense of Team and ability to work across organizational lanes toward a common objective. I've been impressed by our ability to take the next step in each endeavor and not rest on our laurels. I've been impressed with each of you and marvel at your can-do attitudes.

These traits are the qualities we must leverage in achieving our Vision to be the best in USAFE and I am so excited about going there with you! I look forward to the next 100 days and the coming year as we commit ourselves to realizing the Vision, Mission, Goals of Team Incirlik ... bring your courage, conviction and communication!