State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takashi Uto toured MCAS Iwakuni and met with Col. Lance Lewis, the air station commanding officer, today to discuss the role of the air station and tenant commands in support of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Lewis welcomed the State Minister on his first official visit to MCAS Iwakuni in this role and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the air station’s role in preserving bilateral security.

During the visit, the State Minister and official party received a command overview brief from the commanding officer and toured the air station. The overview brief highlighted the multiple air station assets shared between the U.S. military and Japan Self Defense Force and the many bilateral community relations activities conducted between the air station and local community. Both leaders expressed their excitement for an upcoming exchange between MCAS Iwakuni Department of Defense Education Activity and local students in Iwakuni.

Highlights of the installation tour included an overview of the air station as well as visits to Marine Air Group 12 and Carrier Air Wing FIVE hangar spaces to showcase the assets used in support of defense obligations under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of future security cooperation and the value of maintaining a bilateral presence onboard the air station.

Images are available from the link below. The photos are attributed to the U.S. Marine Corps. https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/MCAS-I