Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

The JMSDF Iwakuni festival commemorated the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Security treaty and celebrated the 37th anniversary of the force’s command on the station with a host of entertainment for attendees.

The main purpose of this event is to give the locals and station members knowledge of JMSDF units and strengthen exchange and support within the community.

The festival brought local dignitaries, including government officials, distinguished military officials, prefecture assembly members, and Iwakuni’s Mayor and city council members.

Attractions during the celebration included flybys, a drill performance, a kunisaki ship tour, flight simulator and 12 static aircraft displays.

The static displays seem to be an all-around favorite for the crowd visiting the open house.

“I brought my two kids here to look at the planes,” said Danielle Archambault. “The static display is our favorite.”

JMSDF pilots showed the specific capabilities unique to each aircraft flown in the overhead demonstrations. Some lucky visitors won 20-minute rides in either a US-2 or MH-53E aircraft.

There were also a variety of different food vendors available and entertaining stage performances. The stage performances included Taiko drums, drill, White Snake Power Rangers, and the Japanese band Salbia.

 “One of the members of our group comes from a Japanese military family so her mother told us about this event,” said Sarai Mayuko Kajioka, member of Salbia.