MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and his wife, Gen. and Mrs. William L. Nyland, visited the Station Monday and Tuesday to show the pride felt by Headquarters Marine Corps at the job Iwakuni Marines have been doing.
During his stay, Nyland toured Station facilities and construction sites, and visited different units to speak personally with Marines and answer their questions.
After breakfast Tuesday with Marines and Sailors at the Southside Chow Hall, Nyland received a tour of the Ironworks Gym, and a brief about the Iwakuni Runway Relocation Project.
He then visited Hangar 281B and spoke with Marines and Sailors from Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, Marine (All-Weather) Fighter Attack Squadron 332, Marine Attack Squadron 211 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362. "Marines here in the Far East are ready. They are agile. And that makes my job in the Pentagon a heck of a lot easier," said Nyland. "What you do is really very important. You represent the Marine Corps well."
Nyland also visited Hangar 1510 to speak with Marines and Sailors from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12. He answered questions regarding the delicate relationship between America and North Korea, and expressed his thanks for the daily effort put forth by the service members.
"It is my pleasure to be out here and visit this MAGTF (Marine Air Ground Task Force), and the great folks that make it all go," he said. "It's a thrill to be here with all the Marines and Sailors. It's a great, great opportunity to thank everybody for what they do each and every day for our Corps and our country."
A stop at the Single Marine Program's Hornet's Nest concluded Nyland's tour of the Station. He was presented with a gym bag, sweatshirt and several T-shirts specific to the Hornet's Nest. Nyland also took the opportunity to speak with some of the 17,000 Marines who visit the Hornet's Nest monthly to use the computers, game and fitness equipment.
Nyland expressed his approval of the Station and its programs and facilities. "Iwakuni has changed a lot since the last time I was here, and it's absolutely fantastic. My impression of Iwakuni is that it's a great place to be. The quality of life is absolutely superb."
After a series of briefs regarding the Station, Gen. and Mrs. Nyland departed Iwakuni.
During her stay, Mrs. Nyland visited the Marine Corps Family Team Building, and also received a tour of the Branch Medical Clinic.
Nyland assumed the role of assistant commandant of the Marine Corps Sept. 10, 2002.
His personal decorations include: Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with eight Strike/Flight awards, and Joint Service Commendation Medal.