Marking the 42nd anniversary of our open house Friendship Day, the JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day offers a full spectrum of entertainment with an air show in the sky and static displays on the ground. The joint open house will feature both military and civilian jumpers, U.S. and Japanese aerial demonstration jet teams and a Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration. Guests attending the event will experience an once-in-a-lifetime air show.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni takes pleasure in announcing performers who confirmed participation at our JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, which will be held on May 5. Marines, sailors, airmen and soldiers as well as Japanese Air, Maritime and Ground Self-Defense Force service members look forward to welcoming you at our home away from home.

The event official website – friendship-day.net

The event official Facebook – www.facebook.com/FriendshipDayIwakuni

The event HOTLINE – Tel: 0827(79) 6227

Air Show:
Rob Reider – The most sought-after announcer on the North American Air Show circuit. His talents have earned him the highest award in the air show industry, the International Council of Air Shows “Sword of Excellence.” A former Midwest television personality, Rob received five Emmy awards for his on-air performances and musical compositions. His show business acumen, his encyclopedic aviation knowledge, his experience and his excitement have put Rob Reider at the top of the list as the voice of many of the largest and most important air shows on the continent.
http://www.robreider.com/

Yoshihide Muroya – Having held some 170 air shows over 12 years, Yoshi has accumulated real-time experience from world famous aerobatic competitions such as the “WAC” World Aerobatic Championships. As the first Asian pilot in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2009, Yoshi has helped raise the popularity of the sport in East Asia, particularly in his home country of Japan.
http://www.yoshi-muroya.jp/

Whiskey Papa – Flying for more than 20 years, Masahiro Utsumi has competed in many international aerobatic competitions. He is a popular air-show pilot in Japan who has a Federal Aviation Administration Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) card level 1- Unrestricted.
https://ja14wp.wixsite.com/home/

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force airborne rappelling demonstration comes back to Iwakuni. Additionally, more of U.S.-Japan inventories showcase their aviation capabilities and assets from the sky, along with scheduled arrivals and departures from the commercial airport in Iwakuni.

The Golden Knights – For the third time, the air station is honored to welcome the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army official aerial parachute demonstration team. The demonstration and competition parachute team thrills audiences with their midair performance. The Golden Knights are one of only three Department of Defense-sanctioned aerial demonstration teams.

MV-22 Level III demonstration –JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day air show will amaze audience members with an air show demonstration that showcases the maneuverability of the MV-22 Osprey. The level III demonstration is one of the most sought-after aerial demonstrations offered by the U.S. military. Demonstrations are performed by the same aircraft and Marines who train and deploy in support of real-world contingencies. For this reason, Headquarters Marine Corps selects only a handful of events to receive the coveted demonstration.

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration – An action-packed demonstration that showcases the diversity and power of the Marine Corps. The MAGTF is the organizational structure of the Marine Corps and is made up of four elements: command, ground combat, aviation combat and combat service support. During the MAGTF demonstration, audiences will be thrilled with close air support, simulated aerial refueling and extended capabilities of Marine Corps assets to perform in expeditionary environments.

Pacific Air Forces' F-16 Demonstration Team – based at Misawa Air Base, Japan, promotes positive relations between the U.S. and nations across the Western Pacific. Flying the Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon, the team demonstrates the breathtaking power and maneuverability of the aircraft to the delight of aviation enthusiasts everywhere.

F-2 – Japan Air Self-Defense Force will be showcasing its F-2 multirole, single-engine fighter aircraft, which is popular for its air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. The F-2 is known for its incredible maneuverability, speed and power. This is an aerial demonstration every aviation enthusiast will want to see.

F-35B Lightning II - Performs aerial demonstration for the first time in Asia. The world’s first short-takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter. The F-35’s low observable stealth allows it to safely enter areas without being seen by radars that legacy fighters cannot evade In addition to the ability to operate in austere environments, the F-35 brings the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history. 

Aircraft Static Displays/Ground Static Displays:
Subject to change, we currently have numerous U.S. and Japanese aircraft static displays, to include: F/A-18C/D, MV-22, F-35B and KC-130J from U.S. Marine Corps III Marine Expeditionary Force. Other U.S static displays include F/A-18E, F/A-18F, E-2D, E/A-18G and H-60. Japan Self-Defense Force aircraft will include U-36A, F-15, MCH-101, SH-60, KC-767 and more. Interested in professional, heavy-duty military gears? It is also a precious opportunity to get first-hand experience of Ground Combat Element capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps. Iwakuni-based Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 offers heavy equipment and utilities equipment, Expeditionary Field Kitchen and a wide variety of military vehicles. Marine tactical units from Okinawa will serve as a great addition and will share their proficiencies in tactics on the ground. Did you know Marine Corps is capable of its own aviation command and control? Marine Air Control Squadron 4 provides aerial surveillance and air traffic control as well as navigational assistance to friendly aircraft. Visitors are welcomed to see and learn what Marines do to ensure the safety of the pilots, aircrew and aircraft.

We look forward to seeing you at the JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day!