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Marines

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

News Stories

Archive: May, 2004

Ikebana comes to Station

"Ikebana is not a mere decoration, it is an art," said Sofu Teshigahara, founder of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. "Ikebana is not for Japan alone, it is for the whole world." In the same spirit, a Thursday night class from 6-8 p.m. at the Arts and Crafts Store is available to Station residents interested in developing this deeply cultured skill.

Miyajima: more than just an island

Japan is host to many beautiful recreational locations for Station residents to enjoy, but none compare to the relaxed environment of Miyajima Island. Located in the Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima offers visitors a look into some of Japan's customs dating back to approximately the 6th century. The O-Torii, which some call the symbol of Miyajima,

Hazardous material not as dangerous

The Iwakuni Fire Department has integrated a new tool that will help identify possible deadly substances in a expedient manner. The new HazMat ID (hazardous material identifier) has an abundance of features that will help in identifying unknown substances at spill sites. "The unit is the first one of its kind on the Station," said Andrew J. Saksa

Threat levels dictate traveling on leave

All Department of Defense and Status of Forces Agreement personnel 14 years or older need to start watching the news and reading the newspaper if they are interested in traveling to another country while stationed in Iwakuni. Current events will play a key role in finding out what dangerous threats lie in that country, and whether or not travel

Vikings get new skipper onboard

Lieutenant Col. William T. "Billyboy" Van Atten took the reigns of Marine (All-Weather) Fighter Attack Squadron 225 from Lt. Col. John "Pappy" Rupp in a change of command ceremony May 27. Van Atten, born Oct. 6, 1965, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Course. Van Atten was

Iwakuni hosts Japanese, American firefighter's expo

The Iwakuni Station Fire Department hosted a hands-on rescue tool demonstration and training class May 27 as part of the week-long, 21st annual All-Japan Fire Chief Officer's Conference. The class included major vendors demonstrating the latest in rescue technology. Fire departments and city officials throughout Japan attended the demonstration,

Fun run sparks energy awareness

Station and local residents enjoyed a cool, evening competition May 25 in honor of Energy Awareness Week. Youth ages 15 and under ran 2.5 kilometer along the sea wall, followed by a five-km adult race. "Besides advertising Energy Awareness Week, this is a way to get people out of their houses so they aren't burning electricity," said Chief Petty

Skaters ollie through competition

The steady whir of wheels on pavement was suddenly broken as the board leapt from the ramp and hung suspended midair. Breathless silence exploded into shouts of encouragement and victory as the skater, in a seemingly effortless move, torqued his body into a 180-degree turn and gracefully landed his board on the down slope of the ramp. Seven

3 Ballers defy odds, take championship

After 28 weeks of Winter Bowling League action, 3 Ballers, led by Eric Krievs, emerged from roll-off competition defeating the vaunted Pin Bashers twice in the double elimination tournament. The irony in the surprising win by the 3 Ballers was the fact the team was not supposed to be in postseason action in the first place. "The top eight teams

Training ignites friendship between Japanese, American firemen

Propped up in a shimmering pool of highly combustible fuels, the blackened mock cockpit waits for another encounter with blistering heat and towering flames. Off to the side, a small test fire is lit. A cloud of thick smoke rolls toward the flight line, and the crew chief shakes his head. Until the wind changes, the main fire won't be ignited.