Washington -- The Department of Defense is reducing the number of U.S. Air
Force personnel permanently assigned to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.
"This reduction is part of the general realignment of U.S. bases in Europe,
" DOD said March 27.
"The U.S. government is not reducing its commitment to Europe or Turkey.
Turkey remains a vital U.S. ally and key regional partner."
Following is the announcement:
(Begin text)
NUMBER OF U.S. AIR FORCE PERSONNEL AT AIR BASE IN TURKEY REDUCED
Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen announced today that the Department
of Defense will reduce the number of U.S. Air Force personnel permanently
assigned to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, by 40-50 percent by September 30,
1998. This action will begin immediately, with a gradual reduction of the 2,
400 U.S. Air Force personnel currently assigned to the base.
This reduction is part of the general realignment of U.S. bases in Europe.
To date, more than 800 U.S. military locations in Europe have been returned
to the host nation, reduced, or placed on standby.
The U.S. government is not reducing its commitment to Europe or Turkey.
Turkey remains a vital U.S. ally and key regional partner.
(End text)
From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at gopher://gopher.usia.gov