Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

Racers take off from the starting line after setting their watches to help pace themselves for the 45th annual Kintai Marathon around Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni April 15, 2012. Racers began clumped together, but the pack quickly thinned as many racers sped past or dropped behind the rest of the pack. The race isn’t about winning for some competitors; some just love the thought of completing the race. The ability for all of these racers to complete the 26-mile race takes training and keeps these runners fit and healthy. - Racers take off from the starting line after setting their watches to help pace themselves for the 45th annual Kintai Marathon around Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni April 15, 2012. Racers began clumped together, but the pack quickly thinned as many racers sped past or dropped behind the rest of the pack. The race isn’t about winning for some competitors; some just love the thought of completing the race. The ability for all of these racers to complete the 26-mile race takes training and keeps these runners fit and healthy.

Janice Baughn, women’s self defense class student, performs an elbow strike on a pad as CWO2 Sergio Esquivel, women’s self defense instructor, watches to ensure proper technique and placement during a women’s self-defense class at the IronWorks Gym here April 14. The class covered basic techniques, such as punches and kicks, to more advanced moves when an attacker grabs a person from behind or throws them to the ground. - Janice Baughn, women’s self defense class student, performs an elbow strike on a pad as CWO2 Sergio Esquivel, women’s self defense instructor, watches to ensure proper technique and placement during a women’s self-defense class at the IronWorks Gym here April 14. The class covered basic techniques, such as punches and kicks, to more advanced moves when an attacker grabs a person from behind or throws them to the ground.

Japanese sight-seers walk by Nishiki River April 9, 2012. From business names, Japanese art and music, kimonos and other clothing, to Japanese currency, cherry blossoms can be seen throughout Japanese culture. - Japanese sight-seers walk by Nishiki River April 9, 2012. From business names, Japanese art and music, kimonos and other clothing, to Japanese currency, cherry blossoms can be seen throughout Japanese culture.

The High Intensity Tactical Training Center behind the IronWorks Gym is scheduled to be used for a multitude of exercises and training programs to help improve the combat readiness of Marines aboard station. The HITT program is prioritized around increasing Marines’ speed, strength, endurance and combat efficiency. A main factor in the effectiveness of the training is reducing the possibility of injury while following the program. - The High Intensity Tactical Training Center behind the IronWorks Gym is scheduled to be used for a multitude of exercises and training programs to help improve the combat readiness of Marines aboard station. The HITT program is prioritized around increasing Marines’ speed, strength, endurance and combat efficiency. A main factor in the effectiveness of the training is reducing the possibility of injury while following the program.

Provost Marshal’s Office Special Reaction Team candidates plan out different ways they would be able to enter a room from various angles during an SRT indoctrination brief at an empty lot behind Matthew C. Perry Schools here April 10, 2012. The candidates started their indoctrination brief at 4:30 a.m., running a Physical Fitness Test. Once the candidates finished the day long training indoc, they took an oral examination followed by a written test. For consideration into SRT, the Marines must have a first class PFT and Combat Fitness Test and must be at a minimum rank of lance corporal. - Provost Marshal’s Office Special Reaction Team candidates plan out different ways they would be able to enter a room from various angles during an SRT indoctrination brief at an empty lot behind Matthew C. Perry Schools here April 10, 2012. The candidates started their indoctrination brief at 4:30 a.m., running a Physical Fitness Test. Once the candidates finished the day long training indoc, they took an oral examination followed by a written test. For consideration into SRT, the Marines must have a first class PFT and Combat Fitness Test and must be at a minimum rank of lance corporal.

Maritanya J. Jones, 2, looks for Easter eggs during the station Easter egg hunt on the Torii Pines Golf Course April 8. Every group of eggs had one to two golden eggs hidden, and special prizes were awarded to the golden egg finders. - Maritanya J. Jones, 2, looks for Easter eggs during the station Easter egg hunt on the Torii Pines Golf Course April 8. Every group of eggs had one to two golden eggs hidden, and special prizes were awarded to the golden egg finders.

Staff Sgt. Xavier W. Wethington, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron local controller trainee, watches over controls and plans which aircraft will have priority to the runways from the air traffic control tower here April 2. The air traffic control tower’s main goal is to keep the air station running smoothly while allowing military aircraft to use the runways as often as possible. - Staff Sgt. Xavier W. Wethington, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron local controller trainee, watches over controls and plans which aircraft will have priority to the runways from the air traffic control tower here April 2. The air traffic control tower’s main goal is to keep the air station running smoothly while allowing military aircraft to use the runways as often as possible.