Voluntary departures from Incirlik end

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Nearly 1,300 family members and nonmission-essential civilian employees packed up, processed and departed Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, March 20 to 22 as U.S. and coalition forces began Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Five contracted commercial aircraft flew people from Incirlik to Charleston, S.C., where they were provided tickets to their final destinations.

U.S. European Command officials authorized the voluntary departure of family members and nonmission-essential civilian employees because of increased security concerns in Turkey. The move was based on Incirlik's nearness to the border with Iraq and an assessment of security in the region.

Base officials set up a 12-station processing line to answer questions on personnel issues, financial entitlements and legal and medical matters.

"The line ran very smoothly," said Capt. Jeremy Marsh, of the 39th Wing legal office. "People just wanted to make sure their spouses and families can get the services they need when they get where they're going."

A children's play area and televisions were set up to help people pass the time while waiting to process the line or board a flight. The American Red Cross offered free cookies, coffee and water and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service set up shop for last-minute purchases of snacks and toiletries. Representatives from the U.S. Consulate office in nearby Adana processed last-minute visas and passports.

"We put all the checklists and plans we've prepared and practiced into motion to do this," said Col. Marc Felman, 39th Wing commander. "It was gratifying to see the operation run smoothly and the calmness of the people. I'm really proud of the team here.

"As gratifying as it is to see things go so smoothly, it's also a somber moment when you think about the whole personality of the base changing without the families here," Felman said. "This is going to be a different place to work and live." (Courtesy of U.S. Air Forces in Europe News Service)