Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Rebecca Messex, a food service specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, poses for a photo with a meal she prepared during a Food Service Specialist of the Quarter competition at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 13, 2017. Messex placed first in the competition and was selected for an opportunity to compete in the Marine Corps Installations Pacific Food Service Specialist of the Quarter Board to be held on April 19, 2017, in Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph Abrego) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Rebecca Messex, a food service specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, poses for a photo with a meal she prepared during a Food Service Specialist of the Quarter competition at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 13, 2017. Messex placed first in the competition and was selected for an opportunity to compete in the Marine Corps Installations Pacific Food Service Specialist of the Quarter Board to be held on April 19, 2017, in Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph Abrego)

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 performs a vertical landing while using the lights on the mobile Expeditionary Hover Position Indicator to adjust its position at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 9, 2016. VMA-542 is home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the unit deployment program. The Harrier pilots used the mobile EHPI in coordination with Aircraft Recovery assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron to recertify on boat-deck landings to prepare for other future operations in the Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donato Maffin) - A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 performs a vertical landing while using the lights on the mobile Expeditionary Hover Position Indicator to adjust its position at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 9, 2016. VMA-542 is home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the unit deployment program. The Harrier pilots used the mobile EHPI in coordination with Aircraft Recovery assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron to recertify on boat-deck landings to prepare for other future operations in the Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donato Maffin)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Eckert performs an abdominal exercise with an ammo can while stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Currently serving as a motor transport mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Eckert’s passion for physical fitness grew once he enlisted and finds ways to incorporate exercises into his daily activities. (Courtesy Photo) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Eckert performs an abdominal exercise with an ammo can while stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Currently serving as a motor transport mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Eckert’s passion for physical fitness grew once he enlisted and finds ways to incorporate exercises into his daily activities. (Courtesy Photo)

From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Daniel Shipley, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan B. Davis, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear officer in charge with MAG-12, and Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Joy, CBRN defense officer with 3rd Marine Division, CBRN defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, discuss mission objectives during exercise Habu Sentinel 16, at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. Third Marine Division CBRN Marines traveled to MCAS Iwakuni for this event and worked with MAG-12 personnel in developing technical skills critical to their profession. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada/Released) - From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Daniel Shipley, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan B. Davis, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear officer in charge with MAG-12, and Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Joy, CBRN defense officer with 3rd Marine Division, CBRN defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, discuss mission objectives during exercise Habu Sentinel 16, at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. Third Marine Division CBRN Marines traveled to MCAS Iwakuni for this event and worked with MAG-12 personnel in developing technical skills critical to their profession. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada/Released)

The Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport Use Promotion Council and distinguished guests celebrate the addition of two new flights to the Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport March 27, 2016. The celebration included an Eisaa Okinawa Drum Demonstration, a Ryuky-Koku-Matsuri Daiko Drum performance and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Distinguished guests expressed their appreciation toward the Ministry of Defense; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport; MCAS Iwakuni and other organizations involved in the adoption of these new flights. The airport and additional flights will contribute to the exchange of people and culture among Iwakuni, Okinawa and other countries in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Antonio J. Rubio/Released) - The Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport Use Promotion Council and distinguished guests celebrate the addition of two new flights to the Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport March 27, 2016. The celebration included an Eisaa Okinawa Drum Demonstration, a Ryuky-Koku-Matsuri Daiko Drum performance and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Distinguished guests expressed their appreciation toward the Ministry of Defense; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport; MCAS Iwakuni and other organizations involved in the adoption of these new flights. The airport and additional flights will contribute to the exchange of people and culture among Iwakuni, Okinawa and other countries in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Antonio J. Rubio/Released)

Lt. Col. James Hurd, executive officer for Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, gives a command brief to Chugoku Shikoku Defense Bureau officials, Okinawa Defense Bureau officials, Iwakuni City assembly members and Ginowan City Council members during a visit to the station to conduct a study tour, July 16, 2015. The purpose was to help deepen the distinguished guests’ understanding on national security here, and the mission of MCAS Futenma in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force’s aviation warfighting capabilities. - Lt. Col. James Hurd, executive officer for Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, gives a command brief to Chugoku Shikoku Defense Bureau officials, Okinawa Defense Bureau officials, Iwakuni City assembly members and Ginowan City Council members during a visit to the station to conduct a study tour, July 16, 2015. The purpose was to help deepen the distinguished guests’ understanding on national security here, and the mission of MCAS Futenma in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force’s aviation warfighting capabilities.

The Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 distinguished marksmen in both pistol and rifle qualifications stand in front of their squadron holding the Shively Trophy, received for winning the Far East Division Matches, Jan. 9, 2015. MWSS-171 began their shooting in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, which led to a two-week culminating process of qualifying for individual awards and taking home the Shively Trophy. - The Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 distinguished marksmen in both pistol and rifle qualifications stand in front of their squadron holding the Shively Trophy, received for winning the Far East Division Matches, Jan. 9, 2015. MWSS-171 began their shooting in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, which led to a two-week culminating process of qualifying for individual awards and taking home the Shively Trophy.

Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 152 ordnance Marines watch a GTR-18 missile, better known as a "Smokey SAM," launch toward a KC-130J Super Hercules on an island outside of Okinawa, Japan, during a threat reaction evolution, Aug. 26, 2014. The threat reaction evolution is a chance for pilots to stay up to date on their qualifications while keeping an alert and aware mindset for any arising combat scenario. - Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 152 ordnance Marines watch a GTR-18 missile, better known as a "Smokey SAM," launch toward a KC-130J Super Hercules on an island outside of Okinawa, Japan, during a threat reaction evolution, Aug. 26, 2014. The threat reaction evolution is a chance for pilots to stay up to date on their qualifications while keeping an alert and aware mindset for any arising combat scenario.

Japanese media members interview Col. Robert Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, during Friendship Day May 5, 2014. More than 50,000 people came aboard MCAS Iwakuni to see military vehicles and aircraft, meet American service members and get a taste of American culture. - Japanese media members interview Col. Robert Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, during Friendship Day May 5, 2014. More than 50,000 people came aboard MCAS Iwakuni to see military vehicles and aircraft, meet American service members and get a taste of American culture.

Lance Cpl. William C. Sanborn, a Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 ordnance technician, disembarks from the KC-130 that carried him and his fellow VMFA(AW)-533 Marines to Kadena Air Base May 4. VMFA(AW)-533 made the journey from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to participate in the Marine divisions tactics course, which is slated to start later this month. - Lance Cpl. William C. Sanborn, a Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 ordnance technician, disembarks from the KC-130 that carried him and his fellow VMFA(AW)-533 Marines to Kadena Air Base May 4. VMFA(AW)-533 made the journey from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to participate in the Marine divisions tactics course, which is slated to start later this month.