News Stories

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Iwamoto, Japanese interpreter instructor, throws a rubber grenade while conducting a combat fitness test during the Public Affairs Office’s annual English seminar on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 16, 2016. The seminar is held annually by the station Public Affairs Office to help improve upon the JGSDF’s understanding and use of the English language prior to their deployment in support of exercises in both the United States and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Antonio J. Rubio/Released) - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Iwamoto, Japanese interpreter instructor, throws a rubber grenade while conducting a combat fitness test during the Public Affairs Office’s annual English seminar on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 16, 2016. The seminar is held annually by the station Public Affairs Office to help improve upon the JGSDF’s understanding and use of the English language prior to their deployment in support of exercises in both the United States and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Antonio J. Rubio/Released)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Aguirre, right, a logistics specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, poses for a photo with Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, after being awarded the Marine Corps Installations Pacific Junior Sailor of the Year at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, March 10, 2016. Aguirre said becoming sailor of the year wasn’t an easy task and participating in Marine Corps activities helped him achieve his newly appointed title. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson/Released) - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Aguirre, right, a logistics specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, poses for a photo with Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, after being awarded the Marine Corps Installations Pacific Junior Sailor of the Year at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, March 10, 2016. Aguirre said becoming sailor of the year wasn’t an easy task and participating in Marine Corps activities helped him achieve his newly appointed title. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson/Released)

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aviators assist each other in boarding an inflatable raft during Winter Survival Training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 9-11, 2016. Mandatory for all aviators and aircrew, the JMSDF conducts this training semi-annually, once in the summer and once in the winter. The final portion consisted of drifting training where the aviators dressed in Taikan Taisui Fuku, a cold and water resistant suit. They jumped into the water, swam to inflatable-life-saving boats and worked as a team to climb aboard. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson/Released) - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aviators assist each other in boarding an inflatable raft during Winter Survival Training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 9-11, 2016. Mandatory for all aviators and aircrew, the JMSDF conducts this training semi-annually, once in the summer and once in the winter. The final portion consisted of drifting training where the aviators dressed in Taikan Taisui Fuku, a cold and water resistant suit. They jumped into the water, swam to inflatable-life-saving boats and worked as a team to climb aboard. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson/Released)

From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason Perry, military liaison officer with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Masahiro Kurosaki, professor at the Japan National Defense Academy, and U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Grimes, staff judge advocate for United States Forces Japan, answer questions during the Legislation for Peace and Security seminar at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 11, 2016. Recent changes in national policy gives Japan the capability to take a more proactive stance in matters that may threaten Japan, its citizens and its allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Wicks/Released) - From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason Perry, military liaison officer with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Masahiro Kurosaki, professor at the Japan National Defense Academy, and U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Grimes, staff judge advocate for United States Forces Japan, answer questions during the Legislation for Peace and Security seminar at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 11, 2016. Recent changes in national policy gives Japan the capability to take a more proactive stance in matters that may threaten Japan, its citizens and its allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Wicks/Released)

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Matthew C. Perry High School conduct drill practice at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 9, 2016. The JROTC cadets took top honors during the Far East Marksmanship Competition at Camp Humphreys, Korea, Feb. 14-16, 2016, and the drill competition at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, Nov. 16-18, 2015. During the drill competition, M.C. Perry cadets placed first in uniform inspection and armed regulation, second in unarmed and armed exhibitions, and third place in unarmed regulation and color guard. After finishing with two 3rd place victories, two 2nd place victories, and two 1st place victories, the cadets achieved 1st place overall. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson/Released) - Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Matthew C. Perry High School conduct drill practice at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 9, 2016. The JROTC cadets took top honors during the Far East Marksmanship Competition at Camp Humphreys, Korea, Feb. 14-16, 2016, and the drill competition at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, Nov. 16-18, 2015. During the drill competition, M.C. Perry cadets placed first in uniform inspection and armed regulation, second in unarmed and armed exhibitions, and third place in unarmed regulation and color guard. After finishing with two 3rd place victories, two 2nd place victories, and two 1st place victories, the cadets achieved 1st place overall. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson/Released)

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, forward based to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, arrives at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, for the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7, 2016. The ATR program, established in 2007, is in place as a result of the Defense Policy Review Initiative to increase the operational readiness of U.S. and Japanese forces, enhance bilateral interoperability and reduce local noise pollution. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released) - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, forward based to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, arrives at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, for the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7, 2016. The ATR program, established in 2007, is in place as a result of the Defense Policy Review Initiative to increase the operational readiness of U.S. and Japanese forces, enhance bilateral interoperability and reduce local noise pollution. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)

Capt. Timothy Keane, Japanese jurisdiction officer with the Staff Judge Advocates Office, delivers a speech during the kickoff of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s active duty fund drive at the Strike Zone Bowling Center at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 29, 2016. Since 1904, the NMCRS has provided assistance to Marines, Sailors and their families in times of need. Representatives from each unit ensure the service members within the unit know what the fund drive is, how funds are used to help other service members and their families, and collect donations. - Capt. Timothy Keane, Japanese jurisdiction officer with the Staff Judge Advocates Office, delivers a speech during the kickoff of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s active duty fund drive at the Strike Zone Bowling Center at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 29, 2016. Since 1904, the NMCRS has provided assistance to Marines, Sailors and their families in times of need. Representatives from each unit ensure the service members within the unit know what the fund drive is, how funds are used to help other service members and their families, and collect donations.

Sgt. Maj. Coleman Kinzer, left, outbound Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major, prepares to pass on the sword of office to Sgt. Maj. Darnell Richardson, right, newly appointed H&HS sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 26, 2016. The passing of the sword of office represents the transition of duties and responsibilities from one sergeant major to another. Kinzer addressed the Marines of the squadron, stating that he believes without them, the transformation of the air station wouldn’t be possible. - Sgt. Maj. Coleman Kinzer, left, outbound Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major, prepares to pass on the sword of office to Sgt. Maj. Darnell Richardson, right, newly appointed H&HS sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 26, 2016. The passing of the sword of office represents the transition of duties and responsibilities from one sergeant major to another. Kinzer addressed the Marines of the squadron, stating that he believes without them, the transformation of the air station wouldn’t be possible.

Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron participate in a 5k supply run during the Frozen Chosin Competition at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2016. Teams consisting of six members completed a series of events including a pull up and sit up contest, a 5k supply run, a 600 meter swim, 250 meter sprint then constructing and presenting professional military education. According to Lance Cpl. Klayton Inmon, personnel administration clerk at the Installation Personnel Administration Center outbound management branch, competition builds Marines physically and mentally by pushing them past their limits and allowing them to accomplish the mission. - Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron participate in a 5k supply run during the Frozen Chosin Competition at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2016. Teams consisting of six members completed a series of events including a pull up and sit up contest, a 5k supply run, a 600 meter swim, 250 meter sprint then constructing and presenting professional military education. According to Lance Cpl. Klayton Inmon, personnel administration clerk at the Installation Personnel Administration Center outbound management branch, competition builds Marines physically and mentally by pushing them past their limits and allowing them to accomplish the mission.

Matthew C. Perry Elementary and High School students on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and Japanese students from the surrounding area participated in the 6th Annual Friendship Concert at Sinfonia Iwakuni Concert Hall, Iwakuni City, Feb. 20, 2016. The students practiced together weekly in preparation for the concert. Events like these allow the children of both nations to learn to work together despite language barriers and tighten the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. - Matthew C. Perry Elementary and High School students on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and Japanese students from the surrounding area participated in the 6th Annual Friendship Concert at Sinfonia Iwakuni Concert Hall, Iwakuni City, Feb. 20, 2016. The students practiced together weekly in preparation for the concert. Events like these allow the children of both nations to learn to work together despite language barriers and tighten the friendship between the U.S. and Japan.