Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

MAG-12 runs their battle colors in support of 1st MAW's 242-mile run - U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12 take part in the 1st Marine Air Wing’s Marine Corps birthday 242-mile run at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 7, 2017. The Marines participated in the event by running in two mile increments to reach their goal of 48.4 miles as part of the total 242 miles collectively run by multiple units with the 1st MAW in honor of the Marine Corps’ 242nd birthday. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Carlos Jimenez)

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 18, 2017. VMFA-121 conducted a permanent change of station to MCAS Iwakuni, from MCAS Yuma, Ariz., and now belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter, which is the world’s first operational supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy to III MEF with a mission radius greater than that of the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II in support of the U.S. – Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron Henson) - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 18, 2017. VMFA-121 conducted a permanent change of station to MCAS Iwakuni, from MCAS Yuma, Ariz., and now belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter, which is the world’s first operational supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy to III MEF with a mission radius greater than that of the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II in support of the U.S. – Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron Henson)

Lance Cpl. Nick Cox, a powerliner assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 242 performs maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada) - Lance Cpl. Nick Cox, a powerliner assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 242 performs maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada)

From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Daniel Shipley, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan B. Davis, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear officer in charge with MAG-12, and Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Joy, CBRN defense officer with 3rd Marine Division, CBRN defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, discuss mission objectives during exercise Habu Sentinel 16, at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. Third Marine Division CBRN Marines traveled to MCAS Iwakuni for this event and worked with MAG-12 personnel in developing technical skills critical to their profession. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada/Released) - From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Daniel Shipley, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan B. Davis, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear officer in charge with MAG-12, and Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Joy, CBRN defense officer with 3rd Marine Division, CBRN defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, discuss mission objectives during exercise Habu Sentinel 16, at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. Third Marine Division CBRN Marines traveled to MCAS Iwakuni for this event and worked with MAG-12 personnel in developing technical skills critical to their profession. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada/Released)

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, stationed load onto Marine Wing Support Squadron 171’s MK-31 tractor/extended bed during Exercise Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 8, 2015. MWSS-171 is supporting Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 and 1st Battalion 2nd Marines during this exercise using their communications, motor transport and refueling capabilities. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, stationed load onto Marine Wing Support Squadron 171’s MK-31 tractor/extended bed during Exercise Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 8, 2015. MWSS-171 is supporting Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 and 1st Battalion 2nd Marines during this exercise using their communications, motor transport and refueling capabilities.

Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron(VMGR) 152 refuel MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircrafts with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, during air delivery ground refueling training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 20, 2015. The KC-130J aircraft is capable of carrying more than 12,000 gallons of fuel and simultaneously refueling two aircraft at 300 gallons a minute. This ability, along with many others, makes VMGR-152 and their aircraft an important asset to Marine Corps’ aviation. - Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron(VMGR) 152 refuel MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircrafts with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, during air delivery ground refueling training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 20, 2015. The KC-130J aircraft is capable of carrying more than 12,000 gallons of fuel and simultaneously refueling two aircraft at 300 gallons a minute. This ability, along with many others, makes VMGR-152 and their aircraft an important asset to Marine Corps’ aviation.

Marines with Combat Logistics Company 36 practice their fire and maneuver tactics during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 21. Service members participated in live-fire ranges, land navigation, and conducted convoy and recovery operations during the annual exercise to enhance their combat readiness. - Marines with Combat Logistics Company 36 practice their fire and maneuver tactics during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 21. Service members participated in live-fire ranges, land navigation, and conducted convoy and recovery operations during the annual exercise to enhance their combat readiness.

Sgt. Paul D. Johnis, a ground radio repairman with Combat Logistics Company 36, posts security in the gunner’s seat of an AMK-27 medium tactical vehicle during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 24. During the convoy and recovery operation portion of this exercise, Marines and Sailors learned to post 360 degree security, foot patrolling and the immediate action for responding to enemy fire. Allowing service members to practice real life scenarios aided in combat mindset development to prepare them for the mental and physical stress of a combat zone. CLC-36 conducts this exercise annually to make their service members a little more combat ready by recapping the basic skills they learn in boot camp or Marine combat training. - Sgt. Paul D. Johnis, a ground radio repairman with Combat Logistics Company 36, posts security in the gunner’s seat of an AMK-27 medium tactical vehicle during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 24. During the convoy and recovery operation portion of this exercise, Marines and Sailors learned to post 360 degree security, foot patrolling and the immediate action for responding to enemy fire. Allowing service members to practice real life scenarios aided in combat mindset development to prepare them for the mental and physical stress of a combat zone. CLC-36 conducts this exercise annually to make their service members a little more combat ready by recapping the basic skills they learn in boot camp or Marine combat training.

Combat Logistics Company 36 requested the support of Marine Corps Community Services aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Exercise Dragon Fire 2015, from July 10 to Aug. 7, at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan. The Tactical Field Exchange markets food products, cold drinks, portable video cameras, hygiene gear and other miscellaneous items. The truck makes those items easily available in the field where there may not be any other place nearby to get them. The items offered by the mobile exchange provide relief to Marines who may have forgot something or want something different than the Meals Ready to Eat they are given. - Combat Logistics Company 36 requested the support of Marine Corps Community Services aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Exercise Dragon Fire 2015, from July 10 to Aug. 7, at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan. The Tactical Field Exchange markets food products, cold drinks, portable video cameras, hygiene gear and other miscellaneous items. The truck makes those items easily available in the field where there may not be any other place nearby to get them. The items offered by the mobile exchange provide relief to Marines who may have forgot something or want something different than the Meals Ready to Eat they are given.