MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force held its 30th anniversary festival here, Saturday, offering flight demonstrations and static displays along with food and fun for the local community to enjoy.
Citizens of the Air Station's neighboring communities and residents aboard the Station wandered through the displays of Japanese and U.S. aircraft.
"Not too many people know a lot about the C-2 (Greyhound), so we try to get to as many air shows as we can," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Kaplan, stationed in Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. "We are one of the only aircraft out here people can actually go inside. People take a lot of interest in going in and taking a look for themselves."
Chief Petty Officer Eddie Fry took time out from his unit's Prowler static display to lend a helping hand to the proud owner of a new Wizards tattoo. With a little water and know how, Fry helped the boy affix the unit logo tattoo to the back of his hand. "The officers are giving away these tattoos, and the kids are just having a blast with it," Fry said.
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 is on a three-month unit deployment from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., and according to Lt. David Nava, it is the spirit of friendship that brought the crew out to display their aircraft. "It is nice to show off the jet. Being out here helps give a better understanding of what we're doing here. It helps people understand our presence."
In addition to the displays of air power, the children were treated to a wide array of activities. Inflatable jumpers were scattered among the hangars, a mini steam locomotive and even a chance to dress up in a JMSDF flight suit and pose for a picture were just some of the kid-friendly activities.
A flea market featuring toys, plants, clothes, baseball cards, candles and more was the main draw for some.
Ryan Blagburn got a little hands-on experience at the table of honey. "You spin it and it makes honey," Ryan said after spinning the honey right out of the honeycomb. "It tastes good," he added.
"I like honey and I first saw the jars," said Charla Truesdale who also got a taste of the sweet product straight from the honeycomb.
"This is my first experience," said Sara Perez who arrived aboard the Station just one week before. "So far, so good. People are warm and welcoming."
Perez was drawn to the flea market by one of her passions. "I'm a shopper," she said while roaming the different booths of American and Japanese merchandise. "I just want to look around and try new things."
Filling an entire hangar with big band sounds was the Kure military band. Their performance and the Japanese drums were an opportunity to come together in appreciation of a common interest.
"I enjoy meeting the people. Everyone has been really friendly and really nice," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Taylor, VAQ-133.
"This is the first time we?ve been able to see the Japanese version of friendship day. We just want to take advantage of the things available to us," said Truesdale. "Some people say there is nothing to do here, but there is always something going on."