MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- More than 150,000 guests visited Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni for Friendship Day 2004 May 5.
This year's festival marked 31 years of camaraderie between the Station and Japan. The event afforded everyone in attendance the opportunity to enjoy displays of military aircraft, parachuting demonstrations, music and food.
Once the ribbon was cut at the main gate, sightseers were enthralled with parachute demonstrations by the Canadian SkyHawks and Misty Blues Parachute Demonstration Teams, who soared to the ground bearing the Japanese and American flags. The parachute teams also jumped later in the day and showed their perfect form by landing in their designated spot every time.
Throughout the day, flight demonstrations by the Deep Blues, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force US-1 squadron, AIRock, Pacific Air Force F-16s, Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-15s, F-4s and T-4s, and Marine Aircraft Group 12 F/A-18 Hornets, and EA-6B Prowlers rocked the skies.
"I had so much fun," said Yutaka Ito, a Kyoto resident. "The planes were so great to watch. I was also excited to see the Marines. I took many pictures of them."
Besides the aircraft and parachute demonstrations, the crowd could see what the planes looked like while not in motion by means of multiple static displays around the flight line's tarmac.
"I sat in the cockpit of the CH-53," said Ito. "The pilot was very friendly and showed me how to keep control."
Although the airshow was the main attraction, other sites around the Station provided eventgoers with different forms of entertainment.
Live concerts rang out from the edge of the flight line as well as at the amphitheater. Three Ultraman shows were held at the Sakura Theatre. Motorcycle and classic cars were displayed throughout the day.
By the day's end it was apparent the Station's guests were not the only ones impressed.
Lance Cpl. Joe Rutherford, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron firefighter, spent the day serving food and drinks at the Crash Fire Rescue barn.
"We had a lot of people," Rutherford said. "It was interesting trying to communicate. I think it was a positive experience - letting the Japanese come on the base and see what goes on here. A lot of people had smiles on their faces."