MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 Crusaders arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni July 16 for a six-month tour under the Unit Deployment Program.
The unit hails from Beaufort, S.C., and has 12 F/A-18C aircraft and approximately 200 personnel. They are replacing the Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 332 Moonlighters, also from Beaufort.
The primary mission of the Crusaders will be to provide aerial support throughout the Western Pacific Region, according to Capt. Reginald Johnson, VMFA-122 personnel officer.
"We'll be supporting any and all operations that we can in the Pacific theater," said Johnson.
The squadron itself is no stranger to Iwakuni, noted Johnson.
"We were here from July 2000 to January 2001," said Johnson, "but this is the first deployment for about 50 percent of our personnel now."
Whether it's their first time out of the United States or not, the deployment offers the squadron's personnel a unique chance to experience new things, according to Johnson.
"A lot of our Marines are pretty young and this is the farthest that they've ever been from home," said Johnson. "I hope they take advantage of the opportunity to see and enjoy the Japanese culture."
Regardless of the differences to home, the Crusaders are ready to take on their overseas assignment, according to Lance Cpl. James Mitchell, VMFA-122 air frame technician.
"I'm excited about seeing another part of the world," said Mitchell. "We'll get some valuable training here, and at the same time get an opportunity to experience Japan. You couldn't ask for anything more."