USAFE-AFAFRICA commander visits Airmen in Turkey

by By Staff Sgt. Veronica Pierce
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

2/7/2014 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey  -- The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander Gen. Frank Gorenc, visited the 39th Air Base Wing at Incirlik Air Base, Izmir Air Station and Ankara support facility Feb. 4 through 6.

He traveled to Incirlik and other U.S. military units across Turkey to visit service members and to see firsthand their role in current NATO and USAFE-AFAFRICA operations. He also spoke to Airmen and their spouses about overall morale and welfare topics and shared the significance of the USAFE-AFAFRICA motto: "Forward, Ready, Now" as well as the "Step Up, Step In" personal responsibility campaign.

During the general's visit to Incirlik AB he recognized several model Airmen who embodied the ethos of these messages. Gorenc also presented Air Force Achievement Medals to five Airmen for exceptional duty performance.

During his visit, Airmen from various units throughout the 39th ABW had the opportunity to sit with the general and Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief, in a candid roundtable discussion.

Throughout the discussion the general spoke about the importance of stepping up and stepping in as it relates to sexual assault. This message was also echoed during a commander's call held Feb. 4, at Incirlik's base theater. Gorenc challenged the Airmen in attendance to be a part of the solution to preventing the crime of sexual assault.

"I want you to pledge that you will not condone it, tolerate it, and certainly not ignore it," he said.

Airmen were also given an opportunity to hear the general's perspective on current fiscal challenges and mission changes facing our Air Force.

"Accept change and don't be afraid of it. I choose to concentrate on the basics of mission, leadership versus management, safety 'on' and 'off' base, loyalty at a tactical level and discipline 'on' and 'off' base," said Gorenc. "This is what I accept as my north star that will guide me through change."

"My message to you is to hang on, we are going to get this right," said Gorenc. "We take technology and entrust our Airmen to find innovative ways to operate and take equipment we have to make it better, faster and more efficient."

The general also discussed concerns regarding force management programs.

"Many of you will be confronting force management directives," said Gorenc. "While we accommodate these changes, I want you to trust in your leadership, respect your peers and continue to mentor your subordinates."

Before ending the briefing the general gave his audience one last piece of advice.

"Finally, I want to leave you with this: Be the best Airmen you can be every single day. Because if you are the best Airmen every day, I guarantee there's a seat for you in this Air Force," said Gorenc. "Grab ahold of your career and take every opportunity you can to enroll in training and education and you'll be fine."