Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

Members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-81 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 pose for a group picture at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 8, 2015. VQ-1 came to MCAS Iwakuni for an annual unit exchange between VQ-1 and VQ-81. The two units discussed their plans to increase their unit interoperability, strengthening the bond between the two units. - Members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-81 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 pose for a group picture at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 8, 2015. VQ-1 came to MCAS Iwakuni for an annual unit exchange between VQ-1 and VQ-81. The two units discussed their plans to increase their unit interoperability, strengthening the bond between the two units.

Matthew C. Perry School students and Japanese students pose for a photo at the annual holiday concert at Marine Memorial Chapel at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 8, 2015. The American and Japanese students prepared and sang a number of holiday songs in both Japanese and English. - Matthew C. Perry School students and Japanese students pose for a photo at the annual holiday concert at Marine Memorial Chapel at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 8, 2015. The American and Japanese students prepared and sang a number of holiday songs in both Japanese and English.

Residents from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, visit the Peace Memorial Park area after visiting the atomic bomb dome in Hiroshima, Dec. 5, 2015. The Youth and Teen Center provided station residents the opportunity to explore the Peace Memorial Park area and shop around the area. The dome is the only building that remains and provided students with a visual image of the aftermath of World War II. - Residents from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, visit the Peace Memorial Park area after visiting the atomic bomb dome in Hiroshima, Dec. 5, 2015. The Youth and Teen Center provided station residents the opportunity to explore the Peace Memorial Park area and shop around the area. The dome is the only building that remains and provided students with a visual image of the aftermath of World War II.

Lt. Col. Gary Thomason, executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and Iwakuni City officials engage with local Japanese citizens during the 6th Joint Leadership Walk in Iwakuni Dec. 4, 2015. Yoshihiko Fukuda, mayor of Iwakuni City, led participants through the city to foster the unique and long lasting relationship between the air station and Iwakuni City. - Lt. Col. Gary Thomason, executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and Iwakuni City officials engage with local Japanese citizens during the 6th Joint Leadership Walk in Iwakuni Dec. 4, 2015. Yoshihiko Fukuda, mayor of Iwakuni City, led participants through the city to foster the unique and long lasting relationship between the air station and Iwakuni City.

Master Sgt. Charles Garcia, Marine Aircraft Group 12 logistics chief, explains to his Marines the different parts of a ship and what they are used for during a site survey of the USS Bonhomme Richard at U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, Dec. 4, 2015. Garcia executed the survey to confirm everything was secure and large enough for Marine Attack Squadron 214 AV-8B harriers to land on safely. - Master Sgt. Charles Garcia, Marine Aircraft Group 12 logistics chief, explains to his Marines the different parts of a ship and what they are used for during a site survey of the USS Bonhomme Richard at U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, Dec. 4, 2015. Garcia executed the survey to confirm everything was secure and large enough for Marine Attack Squadron 214 AV-8B harriers to land on safely.

Colonel Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, greets Gen Nakatani, Japanese Defense Minister, during Nakatani’s visit to the air station, Dec. 2, 2015. As part of the growing U.S. – Japan relationship, this visit provided Nakatani an opportunity to connect with station officials and view pertinent installation facilities that aid in the Marine Corps’ mission success. - Colonel Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, greets Gen Nakatani, Japanese Defense Minister, during Nakatani’s visit to the air station, Dec. 2, 2015. As part of the growing U.S. – Japan relationship, this visit provided Nakatani an opportunity to connect with station officials and view pertinent installation facilities that aid in the Marine Corps’ mission success.