Military

The voluntary departure was not a mandatory evacuation; rather an option to allow family members and non-mission essential civilian employees to depart Incirlik AB should they elect to do so.  Air Force officials encouraged family members and non-mission essential employees to take advantage of this opportunity to accept benefits available under the authorized departure program. 

This step was taken based on the proximity of the base to the border with Iraq, and an assessment of the overall security situation in the region as a prudent measure once operations against Iraq began.  There are approximately 1,500 family members and non-mission essential civilian employees at the base.

Concurrent travel ceased at the base March 14 in response to ongoing regional tensions.  The directive affected Incirlik AB and Yumurtalik, a base geographically separated unit near the base.

The Department of State issued a public announcement discouraging travel to the southeast portion of Turkey, which does not apply to the rest of the country.

-- USAFENS --