728th Air Mobility Squadron and 39th Operations Support Squadron support key earthquake relief deliveries Published Feb. 13, 2023 By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gabrielle Winn 39th Air Base Wing INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye -- Since Department of Defense support to U.S. Agency for International Development for earthquake relief to Türkiye began, the 728th Air Mobility Squadron has offloaded 5,764 tons of equipment and supplies from aircraft in coordination with 39th Operations Support Squadron, as of Feb. 12, 2023. Airmen assigned to various sections across the 39th Air Base Wing in Incirlik Air Base, Turkiye, load supply trucks in recognition of joint military support of USAID humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, following the Feb. 6, 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkiye. U.S. military forces assigned to U.S. European Command and under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, are providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in support of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and the international community to the Turkish people during this tragedy.” (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike Wright/Released) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Since February 6, and the start of relief support, daily air operations tempo increased 340 percent and 39th OSS has enabled 1,877 aircraft sorties, bringing international aid and personnel to support Türkiye. Supporting U.S. aid efforts, Airmen assigned to the 728th AMS offloaded a 52-bed emergency field hospital tent from a chartered 747-400F in coordination with the 39th OSS at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 10, 2023. The role of U.S. military forces during this disaster relief mission is to rapidly respond to this natural disaster with critically needed capabilities and life-saving equipment, delivering assistance to aid areas the government of Türkiye deems most necessary. According to 1st Lt. Joseph Flemming, 728th AMS resource and readiness flight commander, the 728th AMS Airmen have played a critical role in downloading cargo and equipment for the relief effort to those in need throughout the country. “We’re the only American squadron on base that is trained to download equipment and passengers of aircraft and we’ve downloaded over 210 aircraft since relief operations began Monday,” Flemming said. “We knew with the hospital tent that we had to download it quickly, as they are needed desperately off base.” Airmen assigned to various sections across the 39th Air Base Wing load supply trucks in recognition of joint military support of USAID humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, following the Feb. 6, 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkiye. U.S. military forces assigned to U.S. European Command and under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, are providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in support of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and the international community to the Turkish people during this tragedy.” (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mike Wright/Released) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “Overall, the 39th OSS, in concert with Turkish partners, leads world-class airfield and support operations to orchestrate and control US, Turkish, and coalition forces operating at Incirlik AB in the execution of full-spectrum operations to include humanitarian operations,” said Lieutenant Col. Octavio Prieto, 39th OSS commander. “Specifically, the OSS provides air traffic control, weather services, intelligence support, airfield management, and airfield systems maintenance.” Flemming added that many of the Airmen have been stationed at Incirlik AB for enough time to develop close personal connections with Türkiye’s people and culture. “It’s been painful for us see the news of the devastation around the country, and our hearts are grieving with our Turkish allies,” he said. Although the 728th AMS and 39th OSS have worked tirelessly to provide relief to those affected, the teams fully intend to continue supporting its humanitarian efforts. “We’re happy to be tied so closely to the relief efforts with our Turkish Air Force teammates, who are working jointly with us to get cargo moved to areas most impacted by the earthquake as fast and safely as possible,” Flemming explained. The U.S. military is working in support of USAID, the government of Türkiye and our Allies and partners to provide relief to the people of Türkiye. The 39th ABW is committed to facilitating disaster relief operations to rapidly reduce the suffering of the victims of this disaster. 03:38 VIDEO | 03:38 | TurkiyeHADR - Medical tent delivery - 728th Air Mobility Squadron