An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

News Stories

Archive: 2003

When 'Whiskers' goes wayward

Navy Lt. Timothy Jirus picked up the phone and braced himself. He was about to break his wife's heart. At some point as he crossed the Arizona desert in a van filled with family belongings, her cat had disappeared. Flash, their wiry little alley cat, had earned his name because of the way he was able to "disappear in a flash." This time, he had

Sumo trip helps expand horizons

According to Japanese legend the existence of Japanese race was secured after winning a sumo match; sumo is an ancient sport dating back approximately 1,500 years. The first sumo matches were a form of rituals dedicated to gods with prayers for a bountiful harvest, and performed with sacred dances and dramas in presence of shrines. After thousands

Marines burst onto scene, leave with bang

As Exercise Cope North drew to a close, one important task remained - disposing of explosive material left over from the exercise. Two Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 burst onto the scene to defuse the dangerous task with an unnerving calm. Before leaving Guam, these Marines will work with their U.S. Air Force counterparts to detonate

Bishop relinquishes command to Bright

Lt. Col. James Bishop, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, relinquished command to Lt. Col. James Bright during a change of command ceremony Jan. 9. Bishop, who has commanded VMFA-212 since July 5, 2001, holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Virginia Military Institute and has attended Naval aviator training

Basketball tips off at training camp

The IronWorks Gym held the 2nd Annual Holiday Basketball Camp Jan. 3 to prepare participants for the upcoming Youth Intramural Basketball season. Children ages 7-14 were taught new skills from volunteers who spent their time helping the young ball players learn the basic fundamentals of basketball. "This camp gives us time to help the players

Branch Medical Clinic receives good neighbor award

The Station's Branch Medical Clinic was selected as the 2002 Project Good Neighbor Flagship Award winner in the small overseas command category for its dedication to the Akebono-Ryo Orphanage. The BMC is being recognized for its continued support of the orphanage over the past 16 years. The clinic staff sponsors children from the orphanage twice a

Uncompromising security sweeps Station

Emergency exercises involving all personnel working or living on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, took place Nov. 24-26 as part of Operation Turkey Thunder. The purpose of the operation, taking place the same week as the Thanksgiving holiday, was to allow the Air Station and all aboard to evaluate established counter chemical warfare methods and

Japanese forces storm, secure Station

Units from the Japan Ground Self Defense Force recently deployed to the Station to participate in Guard and Protect training Nov. 24-26. The training marked the first time JGSDF has trained aboard a U.S. facility. According to Maj. Jonathan Foster, Station provost marshal, the Guard and Protect Order is Japanese law and it's Status of Forces

Youth soccer all stars "kick it" in tournament

Conditions were overcast Saturday morning, but not the spirits of eight, 10-12 year-old, all-star soccer teams. One Station team, and seven Japanese teams met together for the competition on a muddy Penny Lake Field. Families cheering, friends calling encouragement and coaches shouting directions made for an atmosphere charged with excitement.

Hidden town rich with historical treasures

Traveling two hours northwest from the front gates of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, you will find a quiet town that is still untouched by western civilization. It is an old town hidden between the majesties of perpetual, evergreen hills and mountains. The historic town Tsuwano, in the Shimane Prefecture, is a tourist attraction for all sorts of