From left to right, Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Maj. Gen. Juan G. Ayala, commander of Marine Corps Installations Command, Takafumi Fujii, director general of the Chugoku-Shikoku Defense Bureau, Brig. Gen. Steven Rudder, commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Col. Hunter H. Hobson, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, cut a ceremonial ribbon signifying the official opening of new facilities during the MAG-12 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 ribbon cutting ceremony aboard station March 27, 2014. The Defense Policy Review Initiative built the new facilities as part of the ongoing construction focused on rebuilding 77 percent of the station. - From left to right, Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Maj. Gen. Juan G. Ayala, commander of Marine Corps Installations Command, Takafumi Fujii, director general of the Chugoku-Shikoku Defense Bureau, Brig. Gen. Steven Rudder, commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Col. Hunter H. Hobson, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, cut a ceremonial ribbon signifying the official opening of new facilities during the MAG-12 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 ribbon cutting ceremony aboard station March 27, 2014. The Defense Policy Review Initiative built the new facilities as part of the ongoing construction focused on rebuilding 77 percent of the station.

Staff Sgt. Courtney Achterberg, a section leader with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, talks to attendees during the 2014 Women’s Leadership Symposium, March 21, inside the Club Iwakuni ballroom aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The symposium celebrated women of character, courage and commitment, the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month. - Staff Sgt. Courtney Achterberg, a section leader with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, talks to attendees during the 2014 Women’s Leadership Symposium, March 21, inside the Club Iwakuni ballroom aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The symposium celebrated women of character, courage and commitment, the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month.

Pfc. Christopher Foreshaw, an aviation supply clerk with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, attempts to retain his firearm from an assailant after suffering from Oleoresin Capsicum spray at Penny Lake Field aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 20, 2014. This training is required for Marines with the Fleet Assistance Program to be military policemen and to carry OC spray while on duty. - Pfc. Christopher Foreshaw, an aviation supply clerk with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, attempts to retain his firearm from an assailant after suffering from Oleoresin Capsicum spray at Penny Lake Field aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 20, 2014. This training is required for Marines with the Fleet Assistance Program to be military policemen and to carry OC spray while on duty.

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Force exit the MV-22 Osprey and begin a noncombatant evacuation operation aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 19, 2014. The Osprey aircraft allows the MEU to reach greater distances at a faster speed than ever before. - Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Force exit the MV-22 Osprey and begin a noncombatant evacuation operation aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 19, 2014. The Osprey aircraft allows the MEU to reach greater distances at a faster speed than ever before.

Students taking the American Red Cross’ Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course practice the proper way to transport an injured person outside of IronWorks Gym aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 16, 2014. Attending the course requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator certifications that are offered monthly by the American Red Cross aboard station. - Students taking the American Red Cross’ Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course practice the proper way to transport an injured person outside of IronWorks Gym aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 16, 2014. Attending the course requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator certifications that are offered monthly by the American Red Cross aboard station.

A member of J-Money attempts a free throw during the final game of the youth sports basketball season, March 13, 2014, inside the IronWorks Gym sports court aboard Marine Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The double elimination match-up was part of the 13 to 15-year-old division hosted by Marine Corps Community Services. - A member of J-Money attempts a free throw during the final game of the youth sports basketball season, March 13, 2014, inside the IronWorks Gym sports court aboard Marine Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The double elimination match-up was part of the 13 to 15-year-old division hosted by Marine Corps Community Services.

A Marine Corps Community Services worker pours a drink for a Red, White & Food Wine Festival patron during the event that took place in the Club Iwakuni ballroom aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 15, 2014. More than 100 types of wine were offered during the festival. - A Marine Corps Community Services worker pours a drink for a Red, White & Food Wine Festival patron during the event that took place in the Club Iwakuni ballroom aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 15, 2014. More than 100 types of wine were offered during the festival.

Austin Macias, a Matthew C. Perry High School Samurai baseball team member, swings a baseball bat during a game that took place aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 15, 2014.Being a part of a sports team gives students a chance to explore different parts of the pacific region. - Austin Macias, a Matthew C. Perry High School Samurai baseball team member, swings a baseball bat during a game that took place aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 15, 2014.Being a part of a sports team gives students a chance to explore different parts of the pacific region.

A member of the Fire Snake Theater, clad in a dragon costume, uses fireworks to portray the beast’s fire-breathing effect during the Kagura performance inside of the Matthew C. Perry High School cafeteria as part of the Japanese American Society Culture Festival, March 8, 2014 aboard, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Performers depicted the mythological tale of Yamata-no-Orochi, an eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent. - A member of the Fire Snake Theater, clad in a dragon costume, uses fireworks to portray the beast’s fire-breathing effect during the Kagura performance inside of the Matthew C. Perry High School cafeteria as part of the Japanese American Society Culture Festival, March 8, 2014 aboard, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Performers depicted the mythological tale of Yamata-no-Orochi, an eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent.

Kindergarten students listen to Lance Cpl. Tommy Fears, flight equipment technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, read “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?” by Dr. Seuss at Matthew C. Perry Elementary School aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Read Across Department of Defense Education Activity Day March 3, 2014. Thing 1 and Thing 2, characters from the popular children’s book “Cat in the Hat” by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, accompanied Fears for the event. - Kindergarten students listen to Lance Cpl. Tommy Fears, flight equipment technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, read “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?” by Dr. Seuss at Matthew C. Perry Elementary School aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Read Across Department of Defense Education Activity Day March 3, 2014. Thing 1 and Thing 2, characters from the popular children’s book “Cat in the Hat” by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, accompanied Fears for the event.