The search and rescue team sent by the US to Turkey arrived in Incirlik

Two US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with 159 USAR personnel, 12 military working dogs and approximately 77 tons of special equipment under the coordination of US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), US European Command (USEUCOM) and US European Air Force (USAFE), Landed at Incirlik Air Base.

The teams from Los Angeles and Fairfax, Virginia were welcomed by the US Ambassador to Ankara, Jeff Flake, and his wife, Cheryl Flake.

Ambassador Flake thanked the teams that came to help Turkey, a friend and ally of the US, for their quick mobilization.

“For the past few years, Turkey has responded to natural disasters in more than 50 countries on 5 continents, and now the world is doing well with more than 70 countries offering help.” she made her assessment.

39th AFB Wing Commander, Col. Calvin Powell, stated that they are trying to help Turkey as much as they can in this process, saying, “The US Air Force is the international effort to help the Turkish people and led to Incirlik airbase. Airmen from the 39th Air Base Wing ready to support our allies on the southern flank of NATO.” he used the phrase.

With the initiatives of the 728 Air Mobility Squadron stationed at Incirlik Air Base, USAID Disaster Response Teams, sent by the US Government to support Turkish authorities, will soon begin work in Adiyaman. The teams will coordinate their work with the Government of the Republic of Turkey and other international partners in the field.

Disaster relief response teams will work closely with the Turkish authorities to identify other priority humanitarian needs while carrying out search and rescue activities in the most affected areas. (AA)