MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni served as a major seaport of debarkation for ORIENT SHIELD 21-2, the largest annual bilateral field training exercise (FTX) in Japan between the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) that focuses on multi-domain operation and cross-domain operation, on 24 June 2021.
MCAS Iwakuni aided in the debarkation of over 100 rolling stock and the roll-off of four Army AH-64 Apaches. The Apaches were towed off, made safe for flight, and then took off from MCAS Iwakuni to conduct the rest of the exercise. The logistical movement demonstrated MCAS Iwakuni’s ability to serve as both a sea and air port of debarkation.
This year’s Orient Shield marks the 35th iteration of the annual Japan-based exercise, which began in 1985, and is comprised of approximately 1,400 U.S. personnel and 1,600 JGSDF personnel. The FTX is being executed through the battalion-level, with participating units focusing on tactical operations to improve their skills and ability to operate hand-in-hand with Japanese forces. Some units will participate remotely, refining their ability to operate in a geographically distributed environment, in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
During the exercise, participants will exchange ideas, tactics, techniques, military experiences, and cultural information. The exercise is designed to enhance U.S.-Japan combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening our bilateral relationship, demonstrating U.S. resolve to support Article V of the U.S.-Japan security treaty and the security interests of partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region.