MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 hosted the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Patrol Squadron 91 during a goodwill exchange, July 9.
The event featured a tour of the Station, a barbecue that included American and Japanese foods and a sports exchange at the JMSDF Gym.
"The Marine Prowler community has a long-standing relationship with VC-91," said Lt. Col. Robert D. Loynd, VMAQ-1 commanding officer. "This exchange is a wonderful opportunity to discuss professional military topics and enjoy a shared sense of camaraderie with our host nation.
In a greater sense, we're demonstrating our shared commitment to global peace and security," said Loynd. "We must remember that Japanese forces are serving side-by-side with our Marines as part of the coalition in Iraq."
Both officers and enlisted Marines had a good time, said Loynd.
"I've seen a lot of laughs and humor as they try to break the communication barrier - friendships are being built," he added.
P.O.2 Gou Shibata, VC-91 aircraft crew member, enjoyed the day's events, he said.
"My favorite part was the American food," said Shibata. "I liked the sausage on the hotdog bun."
Shibata also enjoyed the opportunity to test his athletic abilities through a friendly basketball competition.
"I'm a world class player," he joked.
"Watching the differences between our service and theirs was interesting," said Cpl.
Andrew Acosta, VMAQ-1 aircraft electronics technician. "The yakisoba was great, too."
"I think the exchange was a good idea," said VMAQ-1 Sgt. Maj. Vincent Villemaire. "Not only did it provide us a chance to mingle, it also counted as a day off for our guys. They've been working pretty hard lately.
The exchange was absolutely a success."
According to Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ravenscroft, VMAQ-1 career planner, roughly 165 Marines and 120 Japanese service members participated in the exchange.