728th AMS delivers rapid global mobility

  • Published
  • By Maj. Christopher Bowyer-Meeder
  • U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  

The 728th Air Mobility Squadron hosted Maj. Gen. John Klein, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, as part of a unit immersion Feb. 25, 2023, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The commander was able to get a first-hand perspective of the progress the unit has made as it operationalizes Next Generation Air Mobility Operations Wing concepts.

Although the trip was planned before a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the area, it provided the commander with an opportunity to see how the Airmen support surge operations.

“First, I want to say my heart goes out to all those affected by this terrible disaster,” said Klein. “Surging forces to meet a requirement like this is something we hope we never have to use, but I’m glad to see we have the right Airmen in place to do what needs to be done.”

The commander of the 728th AMS, Lt. Col. Matthew Bryan, reflected on how earthquake relief efforts benefited from the work the team has done to meet the needs of the NextGen AMOW.

“It’s humbling and an honor to be a part of the multinational relief effort in support of our Turkish Allies,” said Bryan. “The responsiveness of the entire 7-2-8 team embodies NextGen AMOW. Beginning with the swift integration of 50 augmentees to seamlessly tackling unique challenges outside of our routine mission, the squadron quickly absorbed the rapid influx, adapted, and performed beyond measure. I couldn’t be more proud of the entire team.”

The 728th AMS senior enlisted leader, Chief Master Sgt. Brenton Phillips, expounded upon the unity the leadership team displays, and the readiness it instills in the Airmen of the squadron.

“We are proactive. We’re in lockstep. We try to be ready as much as we can so when they call our number, we know it, we have it, we’re ready to go,” Phillips said. “We’re ready to execute. We have the proactive mindset. If you notice our vision is Agile, Mobile, Skilled to win – A.M.S. it’s our vision. It’s what we do. And not only win … win anything that we put in our way that we need to conquer or take over. Our mindset is being proactive, not reactive. Our mindset is to develop each and every Airman so when our number is called, we’re ready to go.”