News Stories

Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins - U.S. Marine Corps Brian Bolin, a combat photographer with Armed Forces Network Iwakuni, Defense Media Activity, broadcasts music on-air at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 7, 2023. AFN Iwakuni broadcasts news, music, and informational commercials to entertain and inform the community about events happening on base and more (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins).

Tuning in to AFN

From turning on the radio in the morning and hearing “serving America's best!” to seeing a commercial on TV or opening your phone, the American Forces Network (AFN), is everywhere you go.AFN supports numerous individuals and organizations at the installation with photo, video, and radio coverage to produce entertaining and informative products and

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Courtesy photo - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Navarro, poses for a photo. (Courtesy photo)

From Struggle to Strength: Gunnery Sgt. Robert Navarro’s Journey from Challenging Upbringing to Leadership at MCAS Iwakuni

“Every day you should come into work and try to be better than you were yesterday. If you get off work and you’re not exhausted, you didn’t give it your best. Every day is an opportunity to get better, smarter, faster, and stronger. Don’t waste it,” said Gunnery Sgt. Robert Navarro, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of S-3, Headquarters

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Photo by Sgt. Mitchell Austin - A portrait photo of Corina Gonzalez, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 1, 2023. Gonzalez is a Marine Corps veteran and loving mother who volunteers at numerous organizations throughout MCAS Iwakuni, and has proven to be a diligent and dedicated member of the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mitchell Austin)

Immigrant to citizen: Marine Corps veteran and mom supports community

What is selflessness? Selflessness can be demonstrated in many different ways, like giving up your seat on public transportation to someone who needs it more than you, making yourself more available for friends and family, or even letting someone have the last slice of pizza. Gestures of kindness like these have the potential to be cherished and

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Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachariah Kern, right, a freight transportation clerk with the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Distribution Management Office, oversees cargo distribution documents at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2023. Transportation specialists coordinate, monitor, and control the movement of equipment and cargo to, from, and across the air station. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

If It Can Be Shipped, It Will Be Shipped; MCAS Iwakuni Unit Feature on the Distribution Management Office

Flying high above the clouds, looking down on shimmering waters and small islands scattered around a larger land mass; passengers headed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni get their first glance of Japan.Almost all Department of Defense personnel traveling to MCAS Iwakuni arrive through the Air Mobility Command terminal on base, where they are

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Photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong - Renee Cobb the principal Matthew C. Perry High School hugs a member of the graduating class during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 21, 2023. Biden visited MCAS Iwakuni as part of the Joining Forces initiative which focuses on supporting veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong)

Faces of Iwakuni, Latressa Renée Cobb

When one reminisces about childhood memories of long school days and short recesses, days where they not only learned basic math and science, but also who they are as a person. Days in school are vital to many kids' development into a mature adult, and they can help give someone higher chances of success in the future. Many people can pinpoint a

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Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson - Yasufumi Nakamura, the president of the Momiji Manju Yamadaya factory, gives a presentation to members of a cultural adaptations trip on the process of creating the momiji manju at Hatsukaichi, Japan, May 23, 2023. Cultural adaptations is a program through Marine Corps Community Services that gives residents of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni opportunities to immerse themselves in the community and culture of Iwakuni and of Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

Sweet treats and Momiji Leaves; Residents of MCAS Iwakuni Visit a Momiji Manju Factory with Cultural Adaptations

The sweet smell of fresh baked goods dances through the air, and warm natural light pours in from the sky lights as residents of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni walk around the Yamadaya Momiji Manju factory in Hatsukaichi, Japan, May 23rd, 2023. From behind a glass panel, they watch the workers mixing and pouring and working diligently to create

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Photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Taylor - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Dennis Kearn, the manager of the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni northside mess hall, speaks with service members at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, March 17, 2023. Kearn’s role as the chow hall manager has ensured that hundreds of Marines are fed every day. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Taylor)

Faces of Iwakuni, Gunnery Sgt. Dennis Kearn

Being a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dennis Kearn has always had a dedication to creating unique and captivating dishes. Amidst the many cultural cuisines offered, his favorite dish was a staple of Louisiana gastronomy; seafood gumbo. Growing up surrounded by so many savory foods ignited a passion for the culinary art that has stuck with him

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Photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong - Ret. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christina Grantham, now the director of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, poses for a photo in front of her retirement shadow box at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, March 9, 2023. As the director of the NMCRS, Grantham provides support to individuals facing adversity through a variety of means, including quick-assist loans, the visiting nurses program, thrift shops, education assistance, and personal finance classes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong)

The power of resilience: A US Marine's story of courage, resilience and empowerment

"It was hard being a young female Marine,” said Ret. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christina Grantham, recalling her time in service in the late 1990’s. “Life was really predatory. I don't think anyone viewed females as anything more than a piece of meat.”Now the MCAS Iwakuni NMCRS director, Grantham recounted the challenges and experiences she faced

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Photo by Sgt. Mitchell Austin - Robert Butterworth, a training specialist at the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Provost Marshals Office at poses for a photo at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Apr. 21, 2023. A native of Davenport Iowa, Butterworth joined the Army National Guard after seeing how 9/11 changed the world and wanted to make a difference. After completing his tour with the National Guard, he looked for new direction where he found a passion teaching and training military police. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Mitchell Austin)

It’s all about passion; Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Provost Marshals Office Training Specialist recounts finding a job that feels tailor made for him

"Things that some people would consider going above and beyond, are just part of the fun for me!"For Robert Butterworth, it's more than just a job, his work is an overall more rewarding experience. "I get to schedule large scale exercises in the morning and then in the afternoon I get to OC spray and taser some Marines; Just scream and yell and

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Photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong - An explosive charge detonates during ordnance training in preparation for Friendship Day 2023, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 26, 2023. The MCAS Iwakuni Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has been conducting various controlled explosions since December 2022 in preparation for Friendship Day 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong)

Tick, tock, boom: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines conduct training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

U.S. Marines stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan conducted an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training range on March 26, 2023, in preparation for Friendship Day, scheduled April 15, 2023. The event focused on a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demonstration, which showcases the Marines' ability to conduct airstrikes and air

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