News Stories

Five U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, land at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 2, 2017. VAW-125 arrived at MCAS Iwakuni from Naval Station Norfolk, Va. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is equipped with the most advanced airborne radar in the world, possessing systems which increase the capabilities to defend Japan and provide security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Farbo) - Five U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, land at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 2, 2017. VAW-125 arrived at MCAS Iwakuni from Naval Station Norfolk, Va. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is equipped with the most advanced airborne radar in the world, possessing systems which increase the capabilities to defend Japan and provide security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Farbo)

Pemberton Aerosports executed a flag jump during the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day 2016 Air Show, Japan, May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts, and the event traditionally draws more than 200,000 visitors and participants. This year is the 40th Friendship Day, offering a culturally enriching experience that displays the mutual support that the U.S. and Japan share. This annual event showcases a variety of static displays, aviation performances and demonstrations, and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons/Released) - Pemberton Aerosports executed a flag jump during the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day 2016 Air Show, Japan, May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts, and the event traditionally draws more than 200,000 visitors and participants. This year is the 40th Friendship Day, offering a culturally enriching experience that displays the mutual support that the U.S. and Japan share. This annual event showcases a variety of static displays, aviation performances and demonstrations, and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons/Released)

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Nathan Wicks/Released) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Nathan Wicks/Released)

Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Farbo/Released) - Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Farbo/Released)

Volunteers from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, wish residents at the Vita Nursing Home in Iwakuni, a merry Christmas after caroling on Dec. 16, 2015. The chapel coordinated this community even as an opportunity to experience Japanese culture, give back to the local community and strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Japan. Nursing home residents expressed happiness, appreciation and shed tears of joy toward the residents. - Volunteers from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, wish residents at the Vita Nursing Home in Iwakuni, a merry Christmas after caroling on Dec. 16, 2015. The chapel coordinated this community even as an opportunity to experience Japanese culture, give back to the local community and strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Japan. Nursing home residents expressed happiness, appreciation and shed tears of joy toward the residents.

Members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-81 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 pose for a group picture at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 8, 2015. VQ-1 came to MCAS Iwakuni for an annual unit exchange between VQ-1 and VQ-81. The two units discussed their plans to increase their unit interoperability, strengthening the bond between the two units. - Members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-81 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 pose for a group picture at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 8, 2015. VQ-1 came to MCAS Iwakuni for an annual unit exchange between VQ-1 and VQ-81. The two units discussed their plans to increase their unit interoperability, strengthening the bond between the two units.

Combat Logistics Company 36 requested the support of Marine Corps Community Services aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Exercise Dragon Fire 2015, from July 10 to Aug. 7, at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan. The Tactical Field Exchange markets food products, cold drinks, portable video cameras, hygiene gear and other miscellaneous items. The truck makes those items easily available in the field where there may not be any other place nearby to get them. The items offered by the mobile exchange provide relief to Marines who may have forgot something or want something different than the Meals Ready to Eat they are given. - Combat Logistics Company 36 requested the support of Marine Corps Community Services aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Exercise Dragon Fire 2015, from July 10 to Aug. 7, at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan. The Tactical Field Exchange markets food products, cold drinks, portable video cameras, hygiene gear and other miscellaneous items. The truck makes those items easily available in the field where there may not be any other place nearby to get them. The items offered by the mobile exchange provide relief to Marines who may have forgot something or want something different than the Meals Ready to Eat they are given.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniel Valerio, left, Hospital Corpsman Mc Joe Evans Bautista, center, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Trevor A. Tisby, right, stationed with Combat Logistics Company 36 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, place Sgt. Kendrick Moore, a motor transport operator with CLC-36, onto the stretcher during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 20, 2015. Moore simulated an unexpected injury during this training scenario that allowed the corpsmen to respond as if there was a real emergency. Dragon Fire reinforces Marines’ and Sailors’ combat mindset to prepare them for the mental and physical stresses of a combat zone. - Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniel Valerio, left, Hospital Corpsman Mc Joe Evans Bautista, center, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Trevor A. Tisby, right, stationed with Combat Logistics Company 36 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, place Sgt. Kendrick Moore, a motor transport operator with CLC-36, onto the stretcher during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 20, 2015. Moore simulated an unexpected injury during this training scenario that allowed the corpsmen to respond as if there was a real emergency. Dragon Fire reinforces Marines’ and Sailors’ combat mindset to prepare them for the mental and physical stresses of a combat zone.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Damien Farinha, left, a hospital corpsman with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, performs the counter to a bear hug during an integrated Marine Corps Martial Arts Program course as part Exercise Southern Frontier 2014 aboard Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, June 18. Farinha is one of approximately 40 service members taking part in the course during SF14. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Damien Farinha, left, a hospital corpsman with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, performs the counter to a bear hug during an integrated Marine Corps Martial Arts Program course as part Exercise Southern Frontier 2014 aboard Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, June 18. Farinha is one of approximately 40 service members taking part in the course during SF14.

Master Chief Petty Officer Gilbert Ermitano, Navy senior enlisted advisor for Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, addresses everyone in attendance for the Navy Chief 121st Birthday Celebration at the Southside Mess Hall aboard station April 1, 2014. - Master Chief Petty Officer Gilbert Ermitano, Navy senior enlisted advisor for Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, addresses everyone in attendance for the Navy Chief 121st Birthday Celebration at the Southside Mess Hall aboard station April 1, 2014.