MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Navy personnel with Harbor Operations guard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni against any threats coming near the harbor, whether dangerous to fellow service members, or the eco-system. It’s these sailors’ job to protect the water ways.
The primary mission of Harbor operations is to protect the environment from oil or gas leaks into the harbor waters.
“Our main purpose is to respond to any oil spills which may occur within the harbor or the vicinity of restricted areas,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Edgardo E. Bauzon, Harbor Operations lead petty officer.
Protection isn’t only for the environment, but to continue a good relationship with Japanese nationals who live both on and off station.
“We share the harbor with Japanese but we respond to spills coming from any ship, whether it is Japanese, United States military or civilian, coming about by accident or an unavoidable circumstance,” said Bauzon.
Harbor operations also keeps the station’s coast secure against any threats.
“We support (the station Provost Marshal’s Office) with boat patrols,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Julian A. Finkel, port section leader. “We have two boat patrols each day and we go through the area to make our presence known.”
Harbor Operations uses a force protection boat which is fast and allows them to overtake other vessels in the water.
“If anyone is found within the area without the proper permission, PMO and the Coast Guard are called to take care of the threat,” said Finkel.
In addition to responding to threats, it is Harbor Operations’ primary mission to prevent them.
“The mission of MCAS Iwakuni is to get aircraft out and the flightline is within sight of the harbor. Any possible damage to it can put the mission of the entire station at risk,” said Finkel.
With the safety of the airfield at risk, PMO is a large factor in protecting the station’s assets.
“When we go on our patrols we take PMO with us so we have that armed presence,” said Seaman Jacob S. Meyers, boatswain’s mate.
With the telescopes the harbor has mounted, a huge view is provided which allows personnel to monitor harbor operations, said Meyers.
The boat house not only defends the air station, but supports many of the operations and exercises occurring on or off station.
“We support a lot of people here,” said Meyers. “We support Explosive Ordnance Disposal when they need to go to Himeko Jima, PMO, banks, anyone loading or off-loading gear or crew.”
Without Harbor Operations many exercises and consistent training would come to a halt.
Because of Harbor Operations, service members can rest assured, knowing they are safe along with the waterways.