MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Just as the sun rose, a mass of Japanese people flooded the air station to secure a seat for the 38th annual Friendship Day air show here May 5.
Any other day, a person would be required to provide proper clearance to board the air station, but for one day, everyone is allowed through the gates to experience a day of aerobatic performances from Japanese and American forces.
“We are just thrilled to have everyone come here,” said Col. Michael A. O’Halloran, station commanding officer. “It is such a great opportunity, once a year, to be able to show everyone throughout the nation just what we do here on the base.”
This year’s air show was the 38th Friendship Day and garnered a crowd of 265,000. Last year, the air show received a record-breaking attendance of 275,000.
Capt. Christian Ortiz, the Friendship Day project officer, said the decrease in numbers could be a result of Friendship Day falling on the last day of the Japanese Golden Week holiday. Nonetheless, this year’s number far surpassed that of 2008’s, which was 200,000.
“For the third year in a row, we have been blessed with great weather, great flying conditions and just a super turn out by everyone,” said O’Halloran.
The thousands of people in attendance had a chance to witness a variety of aeronautic performances ranging from an AV-8B Harrier hovering above the tarmac to a husband and wife skydiving duo in “squirrel suits.”
“Seeing the Harrier hover over the crowd was pretty cool,” said Lance Cpl. Melvin D. Marteabreu, who was attending Friendship Day for the first time. “I didn’t know the Harrier could do that, and I don’t think all the Japanese people knew it either. I think we were all amazed. It was definitely something to be in awe over.”
In addition to the air show, there were 24 static displays that offered attendees the chance to get up close and personal with the aircraft and the Marines and sailors who fly them.
The air show’s fair grounds boasted a variety of different American and Japanese cuisine, along with many opportunities to purchase official Friendship Day gear and admire a lineup of 70 classic cars.
This year’s Friendship Day was the last one held at the current airfield before it will make its move to the new airfield next year.
Members of the media ascended up the brand new 218-foot air control tower, getting a chance to get a glimpse of what next year’s Friendship Day might look like.
O’Halloran said plans for the 39th annual Friendship Day are already underway.