MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 arrived here Sept. 25.
VMFA(AW)-225 comes from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., where they have been stationed since March 1995.
Beginning March 1993, the squadron has deployed to MCAS Iwakuni in support of the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program.
The squadron remains in a constant state of readiness because they are continuously forward deployed.
“We are first responders in moments of crisis,” said Capt. Willis Backlund, the training officer for VMFA(AW)-225.
The squadron is a Marine Corps F/A- 18D Hornet squadron known as the “Vikings.”
The Vikings fall under the umbrella of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, whose mission is to provide combat-ready, expeditionary aviation forces.
The Vikings brought with them approximately 10 F/A-18D aircraft and 200 Marines.
“Every Marine that we bring with us has a specific job and duty that is integral to our mission,” said Sgt. Maj. Ronald Halcovich, the sergeant major of VMFA(AW)-225. “UDP is always a good time for those Marines to get more handson experience.”
VMFA(AW)-225 is scheduled to support various exercises and training missions in several countries across Asia.
“We come here for (Unit Deployment Program) to be forward deployed and keep a level of presence,” said Backlund.
Currently, the squadron is scheduled to travel to Misawa, Japan, in October to conduct training exercises.
The F/A-18D Hornet squadron is scheduled to be based here for roughly six months.