MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force delivered shock and awe to the local community by means of elaborate demonstrations, static displays and flybys during an open house here Sunday.
The JMSDF Iwakuni Festival, celebrated annually in the fall, commemorated the 36th anniversary of the force’s command aboard the station.
According to the JMSDF, the event’s goal was to familiarize the local citizens with the JMSDF units and activities, and to strengthen exchange and support within the community. The event also gave JMSDF families a boots-on-the-ground avenue to further understand the self-defense force.
The open house, which resembled a mini-air show, attracted hundreds of spectators with umbrellas for shade and cameras in hand.
A JMSDF drill team composed of cadets in flight training performed following an opening ceremony and remarks from dignitaries.
Dignitaries included national government officials, prefecture assembly members, Iwakuni’s mayor and city council members, Japanese Self-Defense Force Cooperative Association, JSDF Parent’s Association and distinguished military officials.
JMSDF pilots performed demonstrations above the crowd and showcased specific capabilities unique to each aircraft. Static display aircraft organic to Iwakuni and from installations like Akeno Camp, Tsuiki Air Base, JMSDF Ozuki and JMSDF Ohmura were also stationed on the airfield for curious visitors.
Veterans and children alike took a special interest in a static display SH-60K helicopter and its crew, who gave visitors a chance to take a closer look at the cockpit and controls.
Tours of various aircraft like the SH-60K helicopter and flight simulator demos were also coordinated for festival sightseers.
“The JMSDF Iwakuni festival was blessed with nice weather, and we had more people from last year,” said Lt. Cmdr. Satoshi Murakawa, public affairs officer with Fleet Air Wing 31 here. “We are happy that we were able to complete each event as we had planned with no incidents, while we had a great success as we received favorable comments from our guests.”
Editor’s note: Hiroko Soriki contributed to this article.