MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marines and sailors from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 participated in the first foreign object debris walk on the new heavy-lift runway here May 14.
More than 400 Marines and sailors conducted the FOD walk in preparation for the new runway’s official opening, which will take place May 29.
Service members lined up across the flight line, located a kilometer away from the old runway, to pick up everything from pebbles, paper and other FOD to prevent aircraft from being taken down when daily flight operations begin.
MALS-12 did not only help with this FOD walk in particular but participates in every monthly FOD walk conducted by H&HS. ”Basically we help out the squadrons so that they can complete the mission,” said Chief Petty Officer Robert Williamson, the airfield operations chief for MALS-12.
“We do our part to help prevent further damage, keep the mission going and show that we are just as involved in it as they are,” he added.
The new runway’s construction has been in progress since 1997 and is almost ready to be used on a daily basis.
The new runway was designed to reduce noise and enhance safety.
The new runway is positioned so that jets will not have to bank quickly after takeoff to avoid the nearby industrial plant, resulting in fewer safety hazards for service members and less noise for residents.
After almost three hours of walking the newly constructed flight line, Marines and sailors who contributed their time and effort during their Friday afternoon were thanked with a barbeque presented by Marine Corps Community Services.
Anyone who participated in the FOD walk had the opportunity to enjoy a menu of hotdogs, hamburgers, refreshments and beverages at Penny Lake.