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USAF and NATO Service Members Celebrate International Women's Day at Incirlik Air Base

Female service members from the Turkish, U.S., Spanish, and Polish contingents gathered at Incirlik Air Base on March 8 to celebrate International Women's Day. This annual observance honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide, with this year's theme being "Women who make great achievements." The event at Incirlik Air Base specifically recognized the female service members' remarkable contribution to defending NATO's southern flank.

Incirlik Air Base, which is hosted by the Turkish 10th Tanker Base Command, serves as a crucial military installation. It houses personnel from various nations, including the U.S. 39th Air Base Wing, Spanish Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command, and Polish Military Contingent, all in support of NATO. With diverse international partners and mission sets, the service women at Incirlik Air Base play vital and unique roles in safeguarding NATO's southern flank.

Among the notable female service members celebrated during the event were Turkish Air Force 1st Lieutenant Ozgecan Ozcan Engin, who expertly flies F-16s in support of Turkish national interests from Incirlik Air Base. Additionally, Ceren Erden, a Turkish Air Force air lawyer, provides legal advice to the leaders of the 10th Tanker Base, overseeing legal proceedings related to 10th Tanker Base personnel.

From the U.S. Air Force, Major Danielle Caudill, serving as the Director of Operations for the 39th Force Support Squadron, was honored for her recent achievement as "Field Grade Officer of the Year." Maj. Caudill's responsibilities at Incirlik Air Base include training, equipping, and conducting operations for the 215 personnel of the 39th Force Support Squadron. She is also passionate about mentoring young officers, particularly female service members, and actively engages in junior officer mentorship and career counseling.

Maj. Caudill shared her personal connection to International Women's Day, highlighting her multicultural background. "I am an international woman! My mother comes from Guyana, South America, and my father came from Ireland," she said. "The democratic values protected by NATO are part of what inspired my parents to move to America for a chance at a better life. It is so inspiring to now be able to celebrate International Women's Day alongside other female NATO partners serving in the military today."

The event also recognized U.S. Airman Jaclyn Schultz, a radar, aircraft, and weather specialist. Airman Schultz was acknowledged as the 39th Air Base Wing Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to numerous base initiatives, including fitness competitions, volunteer events, and diversity and inclusion panels. She emphasized the invaluable experience of working alongside NATO partners and learning from their professionalism, fostering a deeper appreciation for the collective difference they can make together.

Representing the Polish Military Contingent, First Lieutenant of the Navy Monika Ryzowcz serves as a lawyer at Incirlik Air Base, providing legal advice to ensure adherence to local and international laws. Polish Lance Corporal Iwona Pol, a noncommissioned officer, monitors the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea in support of NATO Naval Command.

From the Spanish contingent, Lieutenant Maria Galan Garrido serves as a Tactical Control Officer, while Sgt. Sara Maria Cea Becerra maintains and ensures the readiness of the Patriot Launcher. 1st Sgt. Noelia Guevara Marquez, on her second mission at Incirlik Air Base, contributes to the Spanish Patriot Battery unit. This unit falls under the Spanish Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command and is responsible for protecting Adana from air-based threats.

The combined efforts of Turkish, American, Polish, and Spanish female service members at Incirlik Air Base reflect their commitment to advancing democratic values and serving NATO's interests in Turkey. Colonel Kevin Lord, the 39th Air Base Wing commander, expressed his gratitude for the achievements and routine cooperation of the women serving at Incirlik Air Base, emphasizing how their teamwork strengthens NATO's presence in Turkey. He further highlighted that these inspiring women not only defend NATO's interests but also serve as role models for future generations of female service members.