MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 arrived on Station April 16 as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
The Banshee's hale from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. and bring to the Station their EA-6B Prowler aircraft, which will be buzzing around the Pacific Region skies.
VMAQ-1's mission while here will be to provide electronic attack with combat-ready aircrew and fully mission-capable aircraft. The focus of this squadron is centered on warfighting, with all accomplishments being based on how it would affect warfighting capabilities.
While the Banshees make their home here, they will deploy throughout the Pacific Region for various training exercises, which does not disappoint some of the members of VMAQ-1.
"I'm most looking forward to sending our jets to different places and detaching to different countries. I don't know where we will go but going anywhere will be exciting," said Pfc. Marcus G. Rivera, VMAQ-1 operations and training clerk.
Fellow clerk, Lance Cpl. Chad R. Wambold stated he's just looking forward to going to Australia, but both Marines agreed on their feelings toward being in Japan for the first time.
"I'm excited about being here," said Rivera. "Japan is a place I've always wanted to see, but never thought I'd have the chance to. Being in Japan as a Marine representing the United States brings a new level of excitement to the table. Iwakuni is the most well facilitated base I've been on so far. There are a lot of things for Marines to do here. I've heard great things about Iwo Jima and Hiroshima. I would like to see Tokyo and Osaka if possible and other Japanese sites."
"I think it's good that I get to see the world. I have wanted to go to Japan for a long time," added Wambold. "I would like to see the Kintai Bridge and some pagodas."