HAZMAT pharmacy Airmen keep Incirlik stocked Published Sept. 19, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Airmen assigned to the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron hazardous materials pharmacy keep the backbone of the 39th Air Base Wing's mission strong by maintaining and issuing hazardous materials such as paint, aerosols, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, fire extinguishers and batteries. Not only do they keep the mission rolling by ensuring on-base agencies have the supplies they need, they also perform routine checks to ensure the integrity of the materials, said Airman 1st Class Lorenzo Lucas, 39th LRS HAZMAT journeyman. "Flammable items, corrosives and fuels need to all be stored correctly," he said. "Not only is storage important, but it is vital that we are cognizant of expiration dates." Even materials that may seem safe such as fire extinguishers and paint are securely stored in the HAZMAT pharmacy to prevent damage to people, equipment or the environment. Safety is one of the top priorities in the HAZMAT pharmacy, said Airman 1st Class Michael Brown, 39th LRS HAZMAT journeyman. "We always educate agencies on the safety and environmental concerns of the product they receive," he said. "We want to make sure they are maintaining mission capability while maintaining safety." According to Lucas, customer service is also a key element in the HAZMAT pharmacy. "It is important to the mission that we get orders processed in a timely manner," he said. "We wouldn't be able to accomplish this it weren't for our great teamwork. We all work really well together, and that's a big part of our capability to meet the daily challenges we face with HAZMAT." Along with supplying Air Force agencies at Incirlik AB, HAZMAT Airmen work diligently to meet the supply needs of the U.S. Army as well, said Lucas. According to Brown, Soldiers often come to the HAZMART pharmacy for up-keep material such as cleaning supplies for Patriot Village and vehicle fluids. Although procedures can be different when dealing with another service, it does not hinder the HAZMAT team from helping others accomplish their duties. In addition to supplying Incirlik AB, the 39th LRS HAZMAT pharmacy distributes materials to other bases in Europe and Southwest Asia. As long as hazardous supplies remain in demand, the 39th LRS HAZMAT team will continue to ensure mission capability at Incirlik AB and beyond.