KOMATSU AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, forward based to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni; Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12; Marine Aircraft Group 12 and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in Operation Kibagata in Komatsu, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise at Komatsu Air Base, March 12, 2016.
Operation Kibagata brought approximately 90 U.S. and Japanese service members and their families together to clean Kibagata Park. Kibagata Park has a significant importance to the community of Komatsu. It is the only park in Ishikawa Prefecture that contains untouched natural surroundings and views of the famous Mt. Hakusan.
“The turnout was fantastic,” said Lt. Cmdr. Philip Park, MAG-12 command chaplain. “It was probably the best I have ever seen. Operation Kibagata was a success and made a positive impact on both the Marines and JASDF. There is nothing better than the feeling of working side-by-side with our host nation.”
Breaking off into groups of two or three and then pairing up with a group from JASDF, the teams scattered across the vast park to clean. Combining the U.S. and Japanese members presented a great opportunity for interaction. Many of the JASDF members spoke some English and were eager to converse with the Marines, curious about hobbies and what the Americans thought of Japan.
“During the day we’re concentrating on work so we don’t get the personal interaction,” said Lt. Col. Gregory A. McGuire, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314. “Coming out to help the local community clean up the park and getting to know our Japanese counterparts a little better is a great way to do that.”
While helping clean up the local community and interacting with their Japanese counterparts, the Marines also enjoyed the local culture, rich history and breathtaking views.
“The Komatsu community really appreciates the Marines and JASDF sparing the time to participate in this event,” said Yoji Kuze, Deputy Director of Base Affairs, Planning Department of Kinki-Chubu Defense Bureau. “The park we cleaned is a very significant park in Komatsu. This community relations event was very important in maintaining our [U.S.-Japan] relationship. We don’t have many opportunities to work closely together here, so it is vital that we take advantage of every chance we get.”
Community relations events not only lend a hand to the local community, they are an important aspect of strengthening one of the world’s strongest alliances in order to maintain peace and stability in the region.