News Stories

Lance Cpl. Cody Freeman, an electrician with Combat Logistics Company 36 aboard Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, and a teacher from Kinnan Hoikuen in Iwakuni city, read English storybooks to students during a community relations visit, Jan. 9, 2015. Marines from CLC-36 visited the school to teach basic English, interact with the Japanese children and play popular American games. CLC-36’s continual interaction with this school helps preserve an important bond between the Marines and local Japanese. - Lance Cpl. Cody Freeman, an electrician with Combat Logistics Company 36 aboard Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, and a teacher from Kinnan Hoikuen in Iwakuni city, read English storybooks to students during a community relations visit, Jan. 9, 2015. Marines from CLC-36 visited the school to teach basic English, interact with the Japanese children and play popular American games. CLC-36’s continual interaction with this school helps preserve an important bond between the Marines and local Japanese.

Capt. Kevin Wheeler, the newly appointed Motor Transport Company commander with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, addresses his Marines during a change-of-command ceremony at the Motor-T lot, Jan. 9, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Wheeler is taking the position from Capt. George Ivascu, the squadrons newly appointed assistant operations officer. - Capt. Kevin Wheeler, the newly appointed Motor Transport Company commander with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, addresses his Marines during a change-of-command ceremony at the Motor-T lot, Jan. 9, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Wheeler is taking the position from Capt. George Ivascu, the squadrons newly appointed assistant operations officer.

The Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 distinguished marksmen in both pistol and rifle qualifications stand in front of their squadron holding the Shively Trophy, received for winning the Far East Division Matches, Jan. 9, 2015. MWSS-171 began their shooting in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, which led to a two-week culminating process of qualifying for individual awards and taking home the Shively Trophy. - The Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 distinguished marksmen in both pistol and rifle qualifications stand in front of their squadron holding the Shively Trophy, received for winning the Far East Division Matches, Jan. 9, 2015. MWSS-171 began their shooting in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, which led to a two-week culminating process of qualifying for individual awards and taking home the Shively Trophy.

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ShinMaywa US-2 takes flight from the water during the JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 31’s first flight training of the year aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 7, 2015. In the Japanese culture they believe a successful first flight brings good fortune for the rest of the year. - A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ShinMaywa US-2 takes flight from the water during the JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 31’s first flight training of the year aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 7, 2015. In the Japanese culture they believe a successful first flight brings good fortune for the rest of the year.

Sgt. Brandon Webster, an instructor with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron's Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar, speaks to the class inside Building One aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Starting Oct. 1, 2015, lance corporals will be required to complete a command-sponsored seminar in or to pick up the next rank. - Sgt. Brandon Webster, an instructor with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron's Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar, speaks to the class inside Building One aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Starting Oct. 1, 2015, lance corporals will be required to complete a command-sponsored seminar in or to pick up the next rank.

A child watches as Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Archbishop of the Military Services, USA, ascends the alter during a Roman Catholic mass inside the Marine Memorial Chapel aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 24, 2014. The Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA, was created by Pope John Paul II in 1985. - A child watches as Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Archbishop of the Military Services, USA, ascends the alter during a Roman Catholic mass inside the Marine Memorial Chapel aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 24, 2014. The Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA, was created by Pope John Paul II in 1985.

Cpl. Ruben Salinas, a resident Marine Air Ground Task Force planner for Marine Aircraft Group 12 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, shakes hands with a young child after receiving a handmade Christmas ornament while visiting the Akebono Orphanage in Nasake Sima, Yamaguti, Dec. 23, 2014. As a part of giving back to the Japanese locals, MAG-12 Marines collected 777 cans of food from their unit holiday party to distribute to those in need. - Cpl. Ruben Salinas, a resident Marine Air Ground Task Force planner for Marine Aircraft Group 12 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, shakes hands with a young child after receiving a handmade Christmas ornament while visiting the Akebono Orphanage in Nasake Sima, Yamaguti, Dec. 23, 2014. As a part of giving back to the Japanese locals, MAG-12 Marines collected 777 cans of food from their unit holiday party to distribute to those in need.

A volunteer from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, hands out toys during a visit to a children’s home in Houfu, Japan, Dec. 23, 2014. The Marine Thrift Store hosted the visit after collecting toys during a toy drive and motorcycle rally earlier this year. The rally collected more than 300 toys to give to the children’s home. - A volunteer from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, hands out toys during a visit to a children’s home in Houfu, Japan, Dec. 23, 2014. The Marine Thrift Store hosted the visit after collecting toys during a toy drive and motorcycle rally earlier this year. The rally collected more than 300 toys to give to the children’s home.

Children with the School Age Care aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, hand operate engines at the Transportation Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, Dec. 23, 2014. The SAC took the children to the Transportation Museum to learn about all the different types of transportation used throughout history. - Children with the School Age Care aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, hand operate engines at the Transportation Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, Dec. 23, 2014. The SAC took the children to the Transportation Museum to learn about all the different types of transportation used throughout history.