MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The spouses of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, spouses learned about their husband’s duties during Jane Wayne Day, Feb. 23.
The event gave the spouses, or “Lancer Ladies,” an opportunity to learn the roles of their husbands and of VMFA-212’s mission.
“We all know our husbands are Marines. They leave in the morning and come home at night and you don’t think much of what they do during the day,” said Rebecca L. Cederholm, native of Marion, Texas. “Then, you do something like this and it just makes you (feel) so proud as an American and as a spouse.”
In the morning, the wives shot M9 semiautomatic pistols inside the Indoor Small Arms Range and simulated flying jets on a flight simulator.
Tackling Marine training was an exciting opportunity for the wives. Harumi McCauley, native of Kawasaki, Japan, explained she felt a rush inside the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer.
After lunch, the group ventured to the flightline for an F/A-18C Hornet’s take-off. They later watched as aircraft recovery trapped the jet with arresting gear. In case of an emergency landing, the jets rely on the tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel to land safely.
For Cederholm, watching Marines recover the aircraft was one of the day’s best events, because it is a duty distinctive to pilots and squadron Marines.
“Every woman out here has a husband who works towards making an aircraft do what it does,” said Cederholm.
Learning about VMFA-212’s mission not only helps the wives, but it also helps their husbands. Capt. Bert S. Tompkins, VMFA-212 pilot and quality assurance officer, native of Wingdale, N.Y., explained that thanks to Jane Wayne Day he will be able to communicate better with his wife about work.
“After today, my wife got a better handle of what I do, said Tompkins. “For her, it was a good activity to do something different.”
According to Tompkins, Jane Wayne Day went smoothly because of the wives’ willingness to try new things.
“Not only was there good feedback, there was a lot of participation,” said Tompkins.
Cederholm agreed it is vital for the wives to learn about VMFA-212 because they are a significant aspect of the squadron’s morale.
“The mission could not happen without the support of the spouses,” said Cederholm. “We have a part in this and today let us know how important our part is.”