MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 121 arrived here as part of the Unit Deployment Program March 14. VMFA (AW)-121 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
VMFA (AW)-121, also known as the Green Knights, replaced VMFA -115, who returned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
The Green Knights arrived on station with more than 200 Marines and sailors as well as approximately 10 F/A-18D Hornets.
The F/A-18D Hornet is a two seat aircraft as opposed to the single-seat F/A-18A VMFA -115 flew while deployed.
While deployed here the Green Knights are slated to participate in various exercises scheduled around the pacific region, including Foal Eagle in Korea.
“We will be taking part in exercises to set us up for combat to always be ready to go,” said Gunnery Sgt. Geronimo A. Deleon, aviation life support systems division chief.
The Green Knights came to be in 1941 as Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121).
They flew as VMF-121 from 1941 until 1969; then the Green Knights were newly designated VMFA (AW )-121 to reflect the squadron’s all weather capabilities.
“We have been in conflicts from World War II … to conflicts in Iraq,” said Sgt. Maj. Brian Taylor, VMFA (AW)-121 Sergeant Major. “We are the first F/A-18D night attack squadron ever in existence in the Marine Corps.”
The Green Knights were deployed here from September 2009 to March 2009.
“I’ve been here (MCAS Iwakuni) a few times and always enjoyed Iwakuni,” said Deleon. “It’s a beautiful place and the people are wonderful.”
Most of the Marines and sailors of VMFA (AW)-121 expressed enthusiasm about being able to be in Japan for the next six months.
“What makes 121 unique is we were the first squadron in the Marine Corps to receive our special weapons delivery,” said Taylor.
The Marines of VMFA (AW)-121 may have just landed here, but they are already getting geared up for their first exercise to Korea to participate in the annual exercise Foal Eagle and utilize their special weapons delivery.
“This is a great opportunity to work with other foreign nations to show those individuals we are ambassadors of the U.S.,” said Taylor. “I think this opportunity comes at a great time when our country is at war in certain areas and at peace.”
The U.S. is here to make sure if we are called, we are ready to fight, he added.