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: July, 2004

Marines battle for Corps' top team

Two people circle around on a mat, crouched with their arms tucked closely to their bodies but fingers spread and tensed. Then the clinching of their bodies: looking for an opening to get a hold. The sport of wrestling can trace its origins 15,000 years ago through illustrations found in caves in France. In Babylon, relics depict wrestlers using

Tokyo: cultural heart of Japan

Tokyo, a symbol of Japanese economic success, is a sprawling megalopolis off the Pacific coast of Honshu island. According to the Columbus World City Guide, the city was founded in 1590 as Edo, the capital of the shoguns, the rulers of Japan and commanders of the Japanese army. Edo boasted a vibrant culture. Massive pleasure quarters, theatres

Marines rescue boy from river

Three Marines from the Provost Marshal's Office rescued a six-year-old Japanese boy from drowning, July 18, at approximately 5 p.m. at the Kintai Bridge river shore. Sgts. Mitchell B. Jones and Shaun C. Wood, and Cpl. Randy D. Bocchi were barbecuing near the bridge when they heard a commotion downstream. "We heard screaming and yelling," said

Lancers carry tradition of great warriors

Standing tall among history's greatest warriors are lancers - cavalrymen armed only with lances, pistols and bravery. Polish lancers, employed in the service of Napoleon Bonaparte, were some of the most feared cavalry in the emperor's armies. British, Irish and Australian lancers were also known as fierce and intelligent warriors throughout Europe,

Adventurers quest for Fuji

Cold, sandy wind attacks you from all directions, threatening your precarious position atop the volcanic rock, 12,388 feet above the sea. Your ears are numb; your eyes are stinging, yet what a lesser person might consider hell is your heaven. You look out over the horizon to see the sun peaking above distant mountains, painting the clouds with

Marine moves pawns for Corps

The sounds of the EA-6B Prowler engines blare through the airstrip and echo in the hangars. Depending on the weather, the open hangar could be considered an igloo in the winter or an oven in the summer. Through it all, Sgt. Sema Sebwe, Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 ground support equipment representative, sits in a corner with his

Viking named Aviator of Year

Maj. Matthew C. Shortal, pilot training officer for Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 was recently selected to receive the 2004 Alfred A. Cunningham Marine Aviator of the Year Award. The award was established by the First Marine Aviation Force Veteran's Association in memory of A. A. Cunningham, the first Marine Aviator. "I'm humbled,"

Seabees spread American goodwill

More than 100 Japanese children laughed and played with Station Seabees from the Facilities Department, July 10, at Higashi Hoikuen Public School during the school's summer festival. The Seabees' participation in the event was part of the Adopt-A-School Program established by the Chaplain's Office earlier this year to help foster positive local

New police association increases coordination

Station military policemen are joining local Japanese police in a coordinated effort to offset common issues faced by both agencies. Iwakuni City Chief of Police Hisao Nagamatsu visited the Station, July 13, to discuss the establishment of a Japanese/American Police Association. Such an association would encourage closer coordination between

Story time opens new worlds

A slight frown creases the artist's forehead, and an aura of intense concentration radiates from his eyes. The paper plate canvas is carefully covered with colorful designs. Making crafts is Robbie Johnston's favorite part of Story Time. Every Friday morning at 10 a.m., children aged 0-5 gather for Story Time at the Station library. Library