Incirlik serves as Army 'terminal'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elaine Aviles
  • 39th Air Base Group Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFPN) --  Incirlik has a new role as a temporary "terminal" for U.S. soldiers traveling home after serving about a year in Iraq.

The more than 300 soldiers who arrived here Jan. 6 are the first of what will be thousands transiting through Incirlik during the massive Army troop changeover.

"We're providing a place for the soldiers to relax while they wait to transfer aircraft," said Capt. Andrew Hunt, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer. "The infrastructure is in place and we're well equipped for a venture of this size."

Each group of soldiers will spend a few hours on average here before heading home on commercial aircraft; however, the base is ready for unforeseen circumstances.

"If they need to stay overnight, we're prepared," said Lt. Col. Jeffery Linskens, 39th Services Squadron commander. "We have contingency lodging that can handle close to 2,000 people, and we've beefed up the dining facility so it can accommodate the extra customers without inconveniencing permanent-party members too much."

To prepare for the influx, in a little more than a week base workers converted an empty hangar into a reception center. It includes a shoppette, Turkish sandwich stand, flight kitchen serving boxed lunches, Turkish gift shop, mini library, chaplain's office, and morale center with phones and Internet access.

"Every base agency played a role in this operation, from communications support to aircraft maintenance," Captain Hunt said. "As soon as we got word, everyone pulled together. It was challenging. We conducted small-scale receptions during Operation Iraqi Freedom but a passenger transload of this size is new for us."

The 39th Civil Engineer Squadron kicked off the effort by wiring the hangar for lighting, computers and a kitchen. The squadron also set up latrines and fencing.

Once the infrastructure was in place, 39th Services Squadron workers set up a food service facility and hauled in more than 500 chairs and more than 1,000 books, newspapers and magazines.

They also created a morale center featuring 11 computers with Internet access, 14 phones and two big screen televisions. Troops also rounded up more than 200 videos and DVDs left from Operation Northern Watch. Some donated the latest releases from their personal collections.

"We've got tons of movies to choose from, but the soldiers keep requesting 'American Wedding' so we're going to show that more than a few times," said 2nd Lt. Joy Tredway, 39th SVS combat support flight commander. "As long as they're happy, then we're satisfied."

Army and Air Force Exchange Service workers turned a small trailer into a full-service shoppette, complete with snacks, magazines, CDs, travel items, stuffed animals and gifts for soldiers' families.

"Setting up temporary shoppettes is a major part of the AAFES mission," said Gloria Chaverst, AAFES shoppette and BookMark manager. "We're hoping to offer the soldiers a little bit of warmth on their way home.

"On a personal note, I know we're all very thankful for the soldiers," she continued. "We have freedom because of their sacrifices."

In turn, many of the soldiers expressed their gratitude for the warm reception.

"We're just happy to be out of Iraq," said Army Capt. Jennifer Newsome, from the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. "This is like the Taj Mahal compared to some of the places we've stayed. We're very appreciative."

"This was totally unexpected," added Army Spc. Bill Batten, also from the 101st AD. "I thought I'd be sitting for hours twiddling my thumbs. It's almost like being home. Thanks for the warm reception."