MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 returned to Iwakuni after a two-year hiatus March 10.
The Vikings are taking part in the unit deployment program for six months while they conduct training exercises in the Pacific Region, as well as other areas of the world.
The Vikings were first commissioned Jan. 1, 1943, and were designated as Marine Attack Squadron 225. The squadron was founded at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, Calif.
The unit has earned numerous Command Post Exercise awards and other distinctions such as being the first Marine Attack Squadron to fly Trans-Atlantic to Spain. The squadron was redesignated as Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225, July 1, 1991, at MCAS El Toro, Calif.
VMFA(AW)-225 brings approximately 190 Marines to the Station, to include the 12 F/A-18D Hornets they will be buzzing the skies with. Along with the Vikings comes a detachment of Marines from Marine Aircraft Logistics Squadron 11, who will be working alongside MALS-12.
"The Marines of VMFA(AW)-225 are extremely excited to be in Japan," said Lt. Col. John Rupp, VMFA(AW)-225 commanding officer. "As a whole, about 60 percent of the squadron is making their first trip here, so they are anxious to see Japan and the other countries we will be deploying to. We deployed to Iwakuni in 2002 and just returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom last year almost nine months ago, but the Marines are eager to deploy again and do the job they have been trained to do."
The Vikings are currently slated for training exercises in Korea, Thailand, Australia and Alaska.
According to some of the first-timers to this region, the experiences awaiting them outside the gates will suffice for the moment.
"I have been with the Vikings for nine months now and this my first time to Japan," said Lance Cpl. Erika Godinez, VMFA(AW)-225 avionics technician. "I think I am most looking forward to training in Australia. I hear that country is so beautiful. But while we are here in Iwakuni, I want to go to Hiroshima, and I really want to go to Iwo Jima."
Godinez and the rest of the Vikings will get their chance to explore, and according to the commanding officer, they will start right away.
"Marines came into the Marine Corps to travel and see the world. Japan and the other countries we will be going to offer so many sights to see, so I want all of my Marines to have fun and enjoy their time here. We have a job to do, but we can have fun doing it," said Rupp.