39th Air Base Wing

39th Air Base Wing
Airmen of the 39th Air Base Wing inspect BAK-12 barrier system cables at Incirlik Air Base in 2014
Active	1941–1945; 1963–1965; 1966-present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Air Base Support
Size	Wing
Part of	United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
Garrison/HQ	Incirlik Air Base
Engagements	World War II American Theater (1941–1943) Asiatic-Pacific Campaign (1944–1945)
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation Japan, 10 May 1945, 23–29 May 1945 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 11 Awards (1974–2003)
Insignia
39th Air Base Wing emblem (approved 21 November 1994)

The 39th Air Base Wing (39 ABW) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Third Air Force. It is stationed at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The wing is also the host unit at Incirlik.

The mission of the 39 ABW is to support and protect United States and NATO assets and people throughout Turkey while providing a full spectrum of capabilities to the warfighter. A non-flying unit, the 39 ABW also supports three geographically separated units.

Its origins begin with its predecessor, the World War II 39th Bombardment Group (39th BG) which was part of Twentieth Air Force. The 39th Bomb Group's aircraft engaged in very heavy bombardment B-29 Superfortress operations against Japan. Its aircraft were identified by a solid black square painted on the tail with an "P" inside. Active for over 40 years, the 39th Bombardment Wing was a component wing of Strategic Air Command's deterrent force during the Cold War.

The 39th Air Base Wing is commanded by Colonel Craig D. Wills. Its Command Chief Master Sergeant is Chief Master Sergeant Anthony W. Johnson.

Although the wing has no permanently assigned aircraft, it provides excellent facilities and supports the following areas:

For US personnel stationed in other Turkish locations and surrounding countries, the 39th ABW acts as a hub of support. Key areas include supply, base infrastructure maintenance, security, medical services, airlift, and other services.

The 39th ABW has been providing support to Operation Enduring Freedom as C-17s supported by the unit provide airlifting of supplies and troops to Afghanistan.

Established as the 39th Bombardment Group as a pre-World War II B-17 Flying Fortress bomb group, activated at Fort Douglas, Utah in January 1941. After training, was assigned to Gieger Field, Washington as part of the Army Air Corps Northwest Air District in July. After the Pearl Harbor Attack, the group initially flew antisubmarine patrols along the Northwest Pacific Coastline.