MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Corps Community Services aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, hosted it’s second fishing tournament at the station harbor, March 28, 2015.
MCCS began hosting the fishing tournaments this year and this time they invited members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
“We started these tournaments in hopes of having more fishing events here to give Marines and sailors more things to do,” said John Iwaniec, director of MCCS.
Previously, station residents could fish at the harbor when they pleased, but with the flightline relocating closer to the harbor due to the Defense Policy Review Inactive, the station feared that fishing would attract birds and would interfere with aircraft traffic.
For approval to host these tournaments, MCCS provided garbage containers for any trash, bait, or dead fish so the harbor would not draw in birds following the tournament.
“People have wanted the chance to fish here again for a very long time,” said Iwaniec. “There’s not a lot of places close by for them to go to and guarantee that they’re going to catch something.”
To help build camaraderie and offer participants a way to relax, MCCS provided food and music during this tournament to make for a better experience.
“I used to fish at home with my mom and her fiancé once in a while,” said Seaman Mara Lawrence, an airman fuels aviation boatswain’s mate with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “Relaxing by the water today made me feel at home. Having more events like this would be great in my opinion because I enjoy interacting with the community and meeting new people.”
With an increased turnout from the previous tournament and positive feedback from participants, Iwaniec said he wishes to continue to host these tournaments.
“This is what we’re about… having fun and doing as much as we can for the community,” said Iwaniec.