MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211) arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Wednesday for their six-month tour under the Unit Deployment Program.
The Wake Island Avengers are coming here from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., and come prepared with six aircraft and approximately 120 Marines from the squadron and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13. This marks the second time in two years that they have been deployed to Iwakuni.
The Avengers replaced Marine Attack Squadron 231 Ace of Spades and hope to pick up where they left off.
The Marine Attack Squadron's primary mission while on Station will be to provide support for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
During their six-month deployment, VMA-211 will be training with the 31st MEU and interacting with the USS Essex, said Lt. Col. Robert Kuckuk, operations officer.
"This is an exciting opportunity to be able to come to Japan and support the MEU," added Kuckuk. "There is valuable training to be done for the squadron here in Japan."
Besides training and supporting the 31st MEU, the UDP provides opportunities to explore a country with a different culture and customs.
"This is my second time being to Iwakuni and I am excited to be here again," said Cpl. David A. Baker, avionics technician with VMA-211. "This is the first time with this unit and I'm looking forward to new experiences. While here I am looking forward to going out in town and visiting different tourist attractions," added Baker.
In addition to those that have been here before VMA-211 also comes equipped with first timers to the Western Pacific Region.
Cpl. Jesse Gleason, S-6 computer technician added that Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Peace Park have been highly recommended by many on Station. He is looking forward to witnessing the unique experience.