MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- More than 150 Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 arrived aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 21.
The Thunderbolts are replacing the Bengals of Marine (All-Weather) Fighter Attack Squadron 224 for the biannual rotation in support of the Unit Deployment Program. The T-bolts are an F/A-18 squadron out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S. C., and this is the first time in over 10 years they have participated in a Western Pacific Deployment.
"We have either been on the boat or in the desert," said Lt. Col. Thomas "T.C." Clark, commanding officer of VMFA-251. "We have a lot of Marines who have been on a WESTPAC with other squadrons, so it's not like we don't know what's going on."
Although not a usual deployment for '251, the T-bolts know what to expect on this deployment.
"The flying hasn't changed," Clark said. "The only major difference is the logistics of how we support the flying. If we're carrier-based or land-based, it's all pretty much the same when it comes to the actual training."
For many of the Thunderbolts, this will be their first major deployment and they are excited about the different opportunities for work and play.
"I am interested in seeing how our military forces interact with other militaries from this side of the globe," said Lance Cpl. Jason Monnin, VMFA-251 administration clerk. "For our liberty I can't wait to snowboard and see what other outdoor activities Japan has to offer."
Overall, this should be a good experience for the Marines of '251, said Clark.
"Our Marines will have an opportunity for some good training and good liberty time on this deployment," Clark said. "It will give them a chance to see how other cultures exist around the world."