Units from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni will participate in Exercise Active Shield aboard MCAS Iwakuni beginning Monday.

The exercise, which will run until 8 March, is designed to test and enhance the air station's force protection operations.   Some of the objectives of the exercise include increasing coordination in support of installation force protection operations, thereby enhancing the safety of both American and Japanese citizens working aboard U. S. Forces Japan bases.

Off base residents may hear announcements coming from Air Station loud speakers as well as ambient noise during the course of the exercise, including some flight operations outside of normal hours. Increased security posture during the exercise may cause some traffic congestion at the main and contractors' gates during peak hours. The patience and understanding of the local community is appreciated while we conduct this exercise that is vital in support of the U. S. – Japan Security Alliance.

Active Shield photos will be posted to our Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcasiwakuni/