MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Aircraft Group 12 celebrated the 238th Marine Corps birthday by conducting a motivational run and field meet for all the available units before the Marine Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 8, 2013, aboard station.
Col. Hunter Hobson, the commanding officer of MAG-12, said that the intent of this event is to bring both Marines and sailors together.
“Building camaraderie and esprit de corps is very important,” said Hobson. “Bringing everyone together before the Marine Corps ball builds morale and makes us closer as a group. The closer we are, the more efficient of a team we become.”
MAG-12 assembled on the parade deck in by squadrons. The non-commissioned officers of the quarter led the dynamic stretches followed by remarks from Hobson. Hobson stated his expectations for the day and appreciation for the turn out.
Soon after, the squadrons formed up and set off on a two-mile motivational run around base. On arrival to Penny Lake Fields, the troops once again formed up in anticipation of morning colors.
MAG-12 scheduled more than 15 events to take place simultaneously during the course of the day, from flag football to ultimate frisbee.
During each event different, squadrons competed against each other in matches lasting 30 minutes with one team coming out victorious.
In the morning, the most popular early in the day were soccer and softball, which brought in the most players and spectators from all squadrons. Throughout the day Marines from all units showed off their abilities and skills in multiple activities, some even going from one sport to another without rest.
However, the most talked about event of the day by the attendees was the one sitting in the parking lot. A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, sat in the parking lot waiting for the teams from each unit that would attempt to pull the vehicle across the parking lot in the shortest amount of time.
“This event brings out our strongest Marines,” said Hobson. “But it goes back to teamwork, if they don’t work together, they won’t accomplish anything.”
The field meet came to a conclusion with the tug of war. Each unit sent out their ten best marines to represent them.
“While most of the day has been about fun,” said Lance Cpl. Ashley Ackermann, a motor transportation operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171. “The tug of war puts each units pride on the line. No one wants to lose to another unit. Everyone wants to say that they are top dog in the MAG.”
After all events ended, each squadron commanding officer spoke to their individual unit and thanked them for their support and performance during the day’s events, then sent them off to prepare for the ball.