MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Children from the Kawashimo Yochien (kindergarten school) had an interesting show and tell session March 12.
Instead of the normal collection of special rocks and rare comic books, the children all shared in the treasures Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 had to offer.
The kids, ages 3 to 6-years-old, spent the day touring the Lancer's hanger and surrounding flight line, which houses their chariot; the F/A-18. While some of the Japanese children looked at the massive aircraft incredulously, some of the American children in the classes were more excited to see their parents.
"Some of the Marines in '212 have children that go to the school, including myself," said Lt. Col. James B. Bright, VMFA-212 commanding officer. "The teachers wanted to know if I would be interested in hosting my daughter's class on a field trip, but then we decided to have the whole school come."
About 80 kids came here to get the chance to sit inside the cockpit, watch their teacher don survival gear worn by pilots and giggle for the camera in numerous photo opportunities.
"This is more like it," replied Cpl. Oscar Alvaradoreyes, VMFA-212 seat shop mechanic, as he puts a helmet on one of the students. "Some Japanese people see us in such a negative light sometimes, it's nice to make new friends."
Once the static displays and photos were over, the Lancers and their new pals made their way over for a picnic lunch, and much-needed playtime.
The day proved to be a success as the kid's excitement over the aircraft spilled over to the jungle gym.
"The whole experience was wonderful," said Yoshiko Yoshida, Kawashimo Yochien teacher. "The children loved the airplanes and it was exciting for all of us to see what some of the children's parents do for work. It was great to see the children be so proud of their parents. Even for the teachers it was exciting because we always see the planes in the air, but never this close before."
According to Bright, the Lancers were happy to have them. "We had a lot of fun, and if this fosters better relations than even better, but this was for the kids. It was their show and tell time. We welcome them back any time."