SecDef visits Incirlik to inspire, educate Airmen

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta speaks with members of the 39th Air Base Wing during a visit Dec. 14, 2012, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Approximately 300 Airmen met with Panetta who reminded them of the significance their sacrifices here have on the rest of the military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

Deployed McConnell Reservists coined by SecDef Panetta

Published Dec. 14, 2012
By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Several deployed members of the 931st Air Refueling Group had the unique opportunity to experience a visit from Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 14.

Panetta addressed approximately 300 Airmen, five of whom were members of the 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. The 90 EARS is a total-force team consisting of active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen. Several members of the 931st are currently assigned to the 90 EARS.

The Secretary shared information with the audience about current events and thanked the Airmen of Incirlik Air Base for their efforts in continuously meeting U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa and NATO Objectives.

Panetta also spoke about recent events affecting the U.S. military and shared his vision for the future. The Secretary then took questions from the audience, which ranged from the defense budget to the conflict in Syria.

Following his presentation, Panetta administered the Oath of Enlistment to four Incirlik Airmen. He then individually presented a coin all Airmen in attendance. Four members of the 931st Air Refueling Group were coined by the Secretary.

(Editors note: Information for this story was taken from a story by the 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The original story can be viewed here on the 39th Air Base Wing website.)