Airmen Launch Remotely Operated Weapon Station Course in Turkey

The 39th Security Forces Squadron at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey has successfully certified a group of U.S. airmen on the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), marking the first time this specialized training has been conducted at the base. This initiative directly supports the 39th Air Base Wing's strategic objective to ensure its personnel are fully trained, properly equipped, and combat-ready for their mission in the region. The certification course represents a significant enhancement to the base's defensive capabilities. The CROWS is a sophisticated system that allows a weapon, such as a heavy machine gun, to be aimed and fired from inside the relative safety of an armored vehicle or a fixed position using a joystick and video screens. This technology significantly improves operator survivability by removing the need to be exposed to return fire. Training airmen on this system at Incirlik integrates a critical force-protection asset directly into the local security forces' toolkit, enhancing their ability to defend the installation. This milestone aligns with broader U.S. and NATO efforts to bolster defensive postures at strategic locations. Incirlik Air Base is a crucial logistical and operational hub for missions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. By conducting this training locally, the 39th Air Base Wing ensures its security forces can rapidly deploy and employ advanced defensive technology without relying on external training cycles, thereby increasing the unit's self-sufficiency and readiness posture in a dynamic security environment.