MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The station will open its gates to host the 36th Annual Friendship Day here May 5.
The annual event is a unique opportunity for Japanese citizens to visit the base, view military and civilian aircraft and witness exciting aerial demonstrations.
“This is a fantastic air show,” said Col. Michael A. O’Halloran, the station’s commanding officer. “It’s a great way to give back to the local community and to showcase what we’re doing here — with an emphasis on the word friendship.”
Approximately 250,000 visitors are expected to come through the station’s gates to attend this year’s event.
The opening ceremony for the event will commence at 9 a.m. followed by a day’s worth aerial acrobatics and demonstrations.
A myriad of military and civilian jets, and classic aircraft, including F-4 Phantoms, will perform fly-bys and demonstrations throughout the day.
The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force’s “Blue Impulse” aerobatic team and the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team from Misawa Air Base will awe spectators with carefully choreographed, fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers.
In addition to overhead exhibitions, the event will feature static displays of U.S. and Japanese aircraft, and military equipment with personnel on hand to answer questions.
Performances by local and established music groups will amuse spectators near the event’s sea of static displays.
The Thunder Run, which consists of hundreds of motorcycles, will storm the airfield as one massive group.
Children attending the event can look forward to a giant slide, an electric train, a large bouncing cage and mazes.
Food stands will prepare a steady flow of steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs and other American and Japanese treats to keep the swarm of visitors fed.
“We have worked side-by-side with the station to create a compelling event that strengthens community ties with MCAS Iwakuni and our Japanese host nation,” said K.C. Rich, Marine Corps Community Services public affairs representative. “MCCS will set up much of the ground elements required to run the event (by way of) providing food services, retail operations, entertainment, along with marketing, publishing support and maintaining the Friendship Day Web site.”
Information, photos and schedules pertaining to Friendship Day can be accessed on www.friendship-day.net.