MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- One mission that is a high priority for Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is to further relations between the Station and Japanese communities.
In order to meet this requirement, Capt. Jeffrey Sammons, Public Affairs officer, said officials established a monthly program where Japanese citizens can tour the Station.
The goal of the program is to answer questions and dispel any previous negative thoughts citizens might have regarding the Station.
The most recent tour was Sept. 18, when the Station invited a group of Hiroshima residents and members of the Grass Roots Summit, a Japanese cultural exchange program, for a visit.
Upon their arrival, tour-takers went to Yujo Hall where Sammons explained the Station?s history while Yukie Wada, Public Affairs administration specialist, translated
Sammons' presentation into the guest's native language. Sammons covered everything from the Station's mission to Japanese funded projects aboard Iwakuni.
"We want the local Japanese to have an understanding of the Station's mission, units and how important it is to the Pacific region," said Sammons. "We also want to dispel the preconceived idea that Marines are nothing more than war mongers, and by inviting the Japanese to the Station's they see that we are humans just like them."
After guests had a chance to ask questions, they went by bus to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212's hanger, home of the Lancers.
There, Capt. Jon-Paul Archer, VMFA-212 scheduling officer, gave guests an informative brief of the squadron's mission. Archer presented a wealth of information to the guests about the squadron's aircraft, mission and training.
"The military, especially the Marine Corps, has gotten a lot of bad publicity over here," said Archer. "When you get involved with the public and they see that you are a person too, that wears off in a positive way."
Guests then headed to the Northside Chowhall where they had a sit-down meal and took the opportunity to relax and ask Sammons and Master Sgt. Constance Dillard, Public Affairs chief, questions.
After guests received their fill of Marine Corps chow and knowledge, they went to the Branch Medical Clinic and were given a tour of the medical facility by Navy Lt. Timothy Jirus, industrial hygiene officer. Jirus explained how the medical facility operates, showed patient care rooms and introduced parts of the ambulance crew.
While at the clinic, guests were introduced to Chief Petty Officer Carlo Casui, dental senior enlisted advisor, who then gave the visitors a tour of dental. Casui combined his knowledge from years of dental practice and his witty sense of humor to not only inform the guests of the dental crew's mission and operations, but to also leave them in a happy mood.
"The hospital was very interesting," said Ikuko Tasaka, Grass Roots ceremony organizer. "It is very similar to a Japanese hospital, but very different in its own ways."
When guests completed their tour, they were taken back to the gate much more informed then when they had first arrived.
"The base is very big, and I am glad we got to do this," said Tasaka. "We don't get a lot of chances to do these kind of things, and we appreciate the Station's kindness for letting us see the Station."