Incirlik hosts first-ever International Customs Day event

by Senior Airman Krystal Ardrey
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/30/2015 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey  -- The 39th Air Base Wing hosted an appreciation luncheon for Incirlik Air Base's customs officials from the Ministry of Customs and Trade as part of an International Customs Day celebration, Jan. 26, here.

International Customs Day is celebrated every year on the 26th of January by the World Customs Organization to recognize international customs organizations and to focus on customs matter. The wing used this day of celebration to host Incirlik AB's first-ever ICD event, an appreciation luncheon for The Ministry of Customs and Trade staff on-base.

The Ministry of Customs and Trade is responsible for customs and trade related affairs in Turkey. The organization has an office on-base that focuses on, assists and supports the base's military customs needs, which is integral to the wing's mission.

"As a largely enforcement agency, we sometimes forget that they are the only Customs office on a military installation in the country, and that their presence on Incirlik Air Base greatly affects the accomplishment of our mission in a positive way," said Maj. Daniel Nigolian, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander.

The base's customs office supports the exporting and importing of pertinent goods and shipments to and from the 39th ABW. In particular, they support the processing and shipment of military equipment as well as ensure that Airmen and their families receive their household goods shipments and vehicles in a timely manner. Thus, the luncheon was held to show the wing's appreciation for the office's contribution to the wing.

"At the local level, it is important for our customs partners to feel that we value and respect what they do for us," Nigolian said. "A great deal of our interaction is hashing through rules and regulations, which makes the fact that we took the time to celebrate this event all the more meaningful and important to these nine local nationals."

During the luncheon, the wing also welcomed Incirlik AB's new customs director, Kerem Korkmaz. He will be the principal officer in charge of clearing all customs requests for military cargo, household goods and privately owned vehicles of U.S. personnel at Incirlik AB.

Overall, this important event served as a great step in building and strengthening customs relations on base. When asked about the significance of the event, Col. Mark Anarumo, 39th ABW vice commander, stated the event was all about showing commitment and appreciation.

"Turkish customs is a critical member of the overall Incirlik Team," Anarumo said. "We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to our partnership for the customs officials that work alongside our Airmen every day."