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Marines

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

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Heat seeking missiles sail through Japan skies

With a detailed preflight checkup and no room for error, two jets sit patiently at the combat aircraft loading area checking their systems anticipating take off. Pilots wait nervously as a live missile sits on the wing of the jet where proper execution is not always guaranteed. Soon after they pierced into the afternoon sky the roar from the

'Ace of Spades; squadron departs Iwakuni

On Dec 15, Marine Attack Squadron 231, the Ace of Spades, flew out for the last time from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. The AV-8B Harrier II Squadron deployed to the Station six months ago and has accumulated a significant amount of experience. VMA-231 participated in a wide variety of training exercises throughout their stay at the Station

Mess hall Marines taste sweet victory

With a bitter taste lingering in the mouths of a group of Station Marines due to last year's runner-up award, this was a chance for redemption and an opportunity to demonstrate who the best really is. After placing second in last year's Maj. Gen W.P.T. Hill Memorial Awards, Iwakuni's food service Marines now knew what they needed to do to win and

Cope North ends with many lessons learned

With Exercise Cope North having ended, Marines, Sailors, airmen and members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force gathered together to celebrate a job well done. The exercise allowed members of U.S. forces to join with Japanese forces to fly together in the common defense of Japan. "It's a good opportunity to be able to fly with everyone who was

When 'Whiskers' goes wayward

Navy Lt. Timothy Jirus picked up the phone and braced himself. He was about to break his wife's heart. At some point as he crossed the Arizona desert in a van filled with family belongings, her cat had disappeared. Flash, their wiry little alley cat, had earned his name because of the way he was able to "disappear in a flash." This time, he had

Sumo trip helps expand horizons

According to Japanese legend the existence of Japanese race was secured after winning a sumo match; sumo is an ancient sport dating back approximately 1,500 years. The first sumo matches were a form of rituals dedicated to gods with prayers for a bountiful harvest, and performed with sacred dances and dramas in presence of shrines. After thousands

Marines burst onto scene, leave with bang

As Exercise Cope North drew to a close, one important task remained - disposing of explosive material left over from the exercise. Two Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 burst onto the scene to defuse the dangerous task with an unnerving calm. Before leaving Guam, these Marines will work with their U.S. Air Force counterparts to detonate

Bishop relinquishes command to Bright

Lt. Col. James Bishop, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, relinquished command to Lt. Col. James Bright during a change of command ceremony Jan. 9. Bishop, who has commanded VMFA-212 since July 5, 2001, holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Virginia Military Institute and has attended Naval aviator training

Basketball tips off at training camp

The IronWorks Gym held the 2nd Annual Holiday Basketball Camp Jan. 3 to prepare participants for the upcoming Youth Intramural Basketball season. Children ages 7-14 were taught new skills from volunteers who spent their time helping the young ball players learn the basic fundamentals of basketball. "This camp gives us time to help the players

Branch Medical Clinic receives good neighbor award

The Station's Branch Medical Clinic was selected as the 2002 Project Good Neighbor Flagship Award winner in the small overseas command category for its dedication to the Akebono-Ryo Orphanage. The BMC is being recognized for its continued support of the orphanage over the past 16 years. The clinic staff sponsors children from the orphanage twice a