INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett visited various U.S. facilities and met with Airmen assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing, Feb. 15.
She was immersed into the role and mission of the wing and the impact of the Airmen stationed at Incirlik Air Base.
Barrett also recognized a few Airmen for their outstanding performance within their units.
"What I found with the young people of Incirlik (AB) is that they know the mission," Barrett said. "They know how important the mission is and they’re here to get it done. They’re doing it really well."
Tech. Sgt. Jordan Holmes, 39th Air Base Wing occupational safety technician, was one of the Airmen recognized during the visit.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to meet (SecAF) because you don’t get to meet people like this very often,” Holmes said. “It’s nice knowing my leadership sees and appreciates what I do and thinks I deserve this recognition.”
Barrett also met with Airmen who have a direct hand in strengthening the environment of resilience at Incirlik AB.
“One of the great opportunities I had was meeting with the resilience team here and hearing about what they’re doing,” Barrett said. “I really enjoyed knowing about the leadership being provided, coordination and communications to connect people.”
Barrett went on to explain that continuously building on individual resilience will better prepare Airmen for hardships they may face down the road.
“We need to build our lives and recognize we’re going to have down times … there are going to be challenges,” Barrett said. “But getting through that, facing those adversities and building coping skills will help pull us through. Sometimes, we’re the ones that need a shoulder to cry on or to lean on. Other times we are that shoulder. We need to be ready to be both those roles. Practice those coping skills, listen to what other people are facing and you’ll have people there listening to you.”
Barrett also discussed her priorities and continuing the work of her predecessors. This includes establishing the U.S. Space Force, continuing to improve readiness and the modernization of the department.
“Our presence in Turkey is the bedrock of our ability to assure our partnership, respond to threats as required, and ensures support to global operations for U.S., coalition, and NATO allies,” Barrett said.
Beyond her priorities of continuing the readiness and advancement of the Air Force, Barrett had final words of gratitude.
"It’s a special treat to be here at Incirlik (AB) to meet the men and women who are doing extraordinary work making the world and America safer," Barrett said. "I’ve seen, personally, why we can be even more confident that we have the right team on the job, so I’m thrilled and grateful to the men and women of the Air Force."