MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A new troop training area on the south side of the station, adjacent to IronWorks Gym, opened April 21.
The training area consists of an obstacle course, two beach volleyball courts, a basketball court, eight pull-up bars, bleachers, water fountains, restrooms and an outdoor shower.
“The obstacle course is reserved for service members only,” said Curtis Brown, Marine Corps Community Services athletics director. “However, all (Status of Forces Agreement) personnel, (Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force) personnel and service members can utilize the recreational portion of the facility.”
To use the volleyball or basketball courts, reservations can be made at IronWorks Gym’s front desk or by calling 253-6578.
Reservations can be made for on-the-spot use or in advance. The hours of operation for the new training are from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Patron’s can also check out volleyballs and basketballs through IronWorks Gym to use in the new training area.
“The new training area is considered an extension of IronWorks Gym,” said Brown. “As with our other outdoor sports areas and training facilities, safety is always a concern. The beauty of this place is that it’s open, close to the gym and within arms reach of the health clinic.”
The new training area was funded by the Japanese government as part of the Host Nation Funded Construction Program.
“The majority of our new construction (here) is a result of this program and includes such recent facilities as the new Family Housing Service Center, Consolidated Warehouse and the Air Passenger Terminal,” said Cmdr. William C. Duerden, station facilities officer.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Japan Engineer District also participated in the construction of the new training area. The district overseas all host nation funded construction.
We have many more projects in the works, added Duerden. These projects will accommodate the realignment of forces, resulting in the near doubling of the base population.