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Nearly 650 family members reach U.S. within 74 hours

  • Published
  • By Jodi Ames
  • Headquarters Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  On March 29, 2016, the State Department and Secretary of Defense Ash Carter approved the ordered departure of Department of Defense dependents and civilian personnel assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing at Incirlik Air Base and other locations throughout Turkey.

Within a matter of minutes, Mobility Airmen around the world sprang into action, preparing to execute the missions that would ensure the safe and expeditious airlift of families and pets leaving the country.

According to data compiled by the 618th Air Operations Center at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, the combined mission effort was accomplished within 74 hours following the initial order. Approximately 650 passengers and 70 pets were moved using three contracted commercial aircraft and six C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to Air Mobility Command.

The mandatory departure came at the recommendation of Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, commander of U.S. European Command. In a press conference held March 29, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said the decision to move dependents was made "out of an abundance of caution."

The DOD spokesman also emphasized that the decision was not triggered by a specific threat, rather the broader scope of security threats playing out in the region.

"This decision allows for the deliberate safe return of family members from these areas due to continued security concerns in the region. It in no way signifies a permanent decision to end accompanied tours at these facilities and is specifically intended to mitigate the risk to DOD elements and personnel, including family," Cook said.

After the passenger movement was validated by U.S. Transportation Command, Special Assignment Airlift Mission and Global Channel planners assigned to the AOC worked together to phase the required aircraft through normal enroute bases and move the families to their desired home destinations.

Lawrence Gray, the 618th AOC deputy director of current operations, said that once USTRANSCOM confirmed mission requirements and the estimated number of passengers needing airlift, flowing the aircraft through Incirlik at a rate that met the needs of the 39th ABW was all that was needed to successfully execute the ordered departure. 

"Having previously been assigned to Incirlik myself, it was a little disheartening to see the families have to leave; but it was good to see the footage of the families moving through the transportation system to their desired destinations on TV and know that we were able to rapidly respond to get them a step closer to home."

Brig. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of the 618th AOC, highlighted the important role readiness played in moving families to safety.

"Taking care of our Airmen and their families is a top priority in our Air Force," Robinson said. "Employing rapid global mobility was crucial to ensure that family members could safely depart Turkey. The response from the men and women of the 618th AOC and AMC is a reflection of their exceptional training, teamwork and disciplined professionalism."

On Wednesday, March 30, those being evacuated began arriving at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where members of the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing, the 86th Airlift Wing and others throughout the Kaiserslautern military community stood ready to welcome the travelers and ease their transition.

"What we tried to do is ease the stress of travel for the family members and take care of their needs as they came in [to the passenger terminal]," said Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Holland from the 721st Aerial Port Squadron. "I can imagine myself being downrange and getting the notification that my family is leaving in a few hours. I would want someone to assist them."

While some families remained at Ramstein, many continued their journey back to the states and other authorized safe-haven locations.

On March 31, flights bound for the U.S. began arriving at Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Baltimore, Maryland. Members of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron's Detachment 1 greeted families and assisted with their final travel arrangements to locations throughout the states.

A number of other support agencies, including the USO and Red Cross, stepped in to provide food, comfort items and assistance during the ordered departure. Industry partners also bolstered the seamless transition of families as they arrived at both Ramstein and BWI.
  
Lt. Col. Bary Flack, 305th Aerial Port Squadron commander, said he was thrilled with how his team of Airmen assisted families and coordinated with numerous agencies and commands at Ramstein and BWI.

"The partnership with the BWI airport authorities has been outstanding," Flack said. "They've been great partners. To see not only how our folks adapted, but [also how] the airport's [staff] adapted."

AMC Commander Gen. Carlton Everhart II said the success and speed of this passenger movement was a shining example of the command's mission to provide rapid global mobility.

"Rapid global mobility is the heart of what we do," Everhart said. "Thanks to our ability to reach any corner of the globe in a matter of hours and the skill of our Airmen, we were able to act quickly and deliver critical airlift when our military family needed us most."

He continued, "I couldn't be more proud of our Airmen and mobility partners who made this difficult situation smoother for the families who were impacted."

Last September concurrent travel of accompanying dependents was suspended, and the voluntary departure of Air Force families was approved amid concerns about increasing unrest and volatility in the region. This move resulted in the relocation of approximately 100 family members.

The 618th Air Operations Center at Scott AFB, Illinois provides around-the-clock global overwatch and command and control of Air Mobility aircraft and is always ready to support passenger movement if and when it's needed. 

Editor's note: Some information included in this article was taken from stories published by 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs and Air Force News Service.