MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 arrived here from MCAS Beaufort last week as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
Over the next six months the Checkerboards, whose mission is to conduct anti-air and offensive air-support operations, will lend their approximately 200 personnel and F/A-18A+ Hornets to supplement Marine Aircraft Group 12.
“We are an augment squadron; we’re here to perform any tasks MAG-12 deems necessary,” said Capt. Mark J. Simpson, VMFA-312 F/A-18 pilot.
The squadron will also utilize Japan’s diverse training environment both here and on deployments - such as one slated for Kadena Air Base in Okinawa - to enhance their warfighting capabilities.
“We’re going to be doing a lot of air-to-air and air-to-ground training, which is standard, that’s the fighter role,” Simpson said. “We’ll also upgrade the qualifications for certain pilots.”
“We’re going to be utilizing our resources a lot during the time we’re here,” he added.
First time Japan visitor Pvt. Seth T. Anderson, VMFA-312 aircraft mechanic, says he will continue to do his job much in the same manner as he did in South Carolina, though the new locale has required some adaptation.
“Fueling the jets is different, and with the different (hazardous material) regulations you have to be very safety oriented out here,” said Anderson.
“Everyone has been very friendly though,” he added. “I really want to get out and see the sights.”
Capt. Casey R. Dalton, VMFA-312 F/A-18 pilot, agrees with Anderson, saying the many cultural opportunities abounding in Japan will be welcome experiences for both himself and his fellow Marines.
“I probably speak for all the Marines here when I say I would definitely like to experience all that Japan has to offer while we’re here on the mainland,” Dalton said. “It’s good to experience, embrace and know what the culture’s all about.”