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Marines

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

News Stories

Archive: 2003

Stars shining in Iwakuni

The Station rolled out the red carpet for some Hollywood stars wishing to spread a little holiday cheer to service members serving overseas during a United Service Organizations tour Dec. 29. During the two-day visit, television and movie stars Dennis Farina, Sherri Saum, Bill Brochtrup and Kamar De Los Reyes made their way around the Station to

Japanese, American squadrons foster friendship

What do karate, basketball and airplanes all have in common? The answer is Friday's friendship day between Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 128 and Japanese Fleet Training Support Squadron 91. The afternoon event was initiated by the Japanese to exchange goodwill between countries, and was divided into officer and enlisted events, said Lt. Cmdr.

Duathlon stretches limits of local athletes

One hundred thirty seven athletes subjected themselves to the challenge of the 14th Annual Japanese and American Goodwill Super-Duathlon Saturday. The event began with a five-kilometer run, continued with a 28-kilometer bike ride around the Station, and ended with a second, 5-k run around the sea wall. The race drew all kinds of competitors,

Samurai squads take to hoop for home openers

Matthew C. Perry High School boys' and girls' basketball teams were met with tough opposition in their first home games of the season, Saturday. The girls' match-up with E. J. King High School's squad was, "a real barn burner," according to Robert Funk, girls' basketball coach and Samurai athletics director. The Lady Samurai started the game strong

Airman flies high as reward

The airman had one word to describe having his brains sucked to the back of his skull at a force of mach O.86 ... "Glorious!" Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Brandon A. Jones, plane captain for an EA-6B Prowler, received an hour-long flight Dec. 3 in the jet as part of Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 128's incenti-flight program. The

Tax Relief Act benefits service members

On Nov. 11 2003, the President signed the "Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003" in to law. This Act included several favorable tax provisions for service members. One provision exempts "extended official duty" time from the five-year residence requirement that qualifies taxpayers for a capital gains exclusion from the sale of a principal

Heat seeking missiles sail through Japan skies

With a detailed preflight checkup and no room for error, two jets sit patiently at the combat aircraft loading area checking their systems anticipating take off. Pilots wait nervously as a live missile sits on the wing of the jet where proper execution is not always guaranteed. Soon after they pierced into the afternoon sky the roar from the

'Ace of Spades; squadron departs Iwakuni

On Dec 15, Marine Attack Squadron 231, the Ace of Spades, flew out for the last time from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. The AV-8B Harrier II Squadron deployed to the Station six months ago and has accumulated a significant amount of experience. VMA-231 participated in a wide variety of training exercises throughout their stay at the Station

Mess hall Marines taste sweet victory

With a bitter taste lingering in the mouths of a group of Station Marines due to last year's runner-up award, this was a chance for redemption and an opportunity to demonstrate who the best really is. After placing second in last year's Maj. Gen W.P.T. Hill Memorial Awards, Iwakuni's food service Marines now knew what they needed to do to win and

Cope North ends with many lessons learned

With Exercise Cope North having ended, Marines, Sailors, airmen and members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force gathered together to celebrate a job well done. The exercise allowed members of U.S. forces to join with Japanese forces to fly together in the common defense of Japan. "It's a good opportunity to be able to fly with everyone who was