News Stories

MCAS Iwakuni residents, Japanese locals bond through calligraphy event - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Fuerst, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japanese government officials and participants pose for a photo as part of the U.S.-Japan joint calligraphy event, “Kakizome,” at Waki Town, Japan, Jan. 6, 2018. The purpose of the event was to bring the Japanese and American community together by sharing cultural values through art. “Kakizome” is a tradition the Japanese people participate in at the beginning of each year, and it resembles what is known in the Western Hemisphere as a New Year’s resolution. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mason Roy)

Station residents and Japanese participants begin a half marathon during the 49th Kintai Marathon on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan April 17, 2016. With more than 500 athletes, the marathon is one of the few events that invites Japanese citizens on the air station and provides a great opportunity for MCAS Iwakuni personnel to show support of their host nation through running, said Mai Tajima, SemperFit recreation specialist. The full marathon first place for the men was Yoshihisa Nagashita, 34, completing at 2 hours, 40 minutes, 21 seconds, and for the women was Hitomi Matsubara, 45, completing at 3:27:25. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan D. Wicks /Released) - Station residents and Japanese participants begin a half marathon during the 49th Kintai Marathon on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan April 17, 2016. With more than 500 athletes, the marathon is one of the few events that invites Japanese citizens on the air station and provides a great opportunity for MCAS Iwakuni personnel to show support of their host nation through running, said Mai Tajima, SemperFit recreation specialist. The full marathon first place for the men was Yoshihisa Nagashita, 34, completing at 2 hours, 40 minutes, 21 seconds, and for the women was Hitomi Matsubara, 45, completing at 3:27:25. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan D. Wicks /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.

Paul Halstead, left, receives his certificate of naturalization from Kim Shipley, right, special assistant at International Operations of United States Citizens and Immigration Services at the Building One Auditorium at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 5, 2015. In order to become a U.S. citizen, recipients must speak and know English, have good moral character, have knowledge of the U.S. government and history and take the Oath of Allegiance. - Paul Halstead, left, receives his certificate of naturalization from Kim Shipley, right, special assistant at International Operations of United States Citizens and Immigration Services at the Building One Auditorium at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 5, 2015. In order to become a U.S. citizen, recipients must speak and know English, have good moral character, have knowledge of the U.S. government and history and take the Oath of Allegiance.