News Stories

JMSDF, MCAS Iwakuni take Friendship Day 2019 to new altitudes - Japanese guests view various U.S. and Japanese static display aircraft during the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an exciting experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static display aircraft, aerial performances, food and entertainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Timothy Valero)

Lance Cpl. Nick Cox, a powerliner assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 242 performs maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada) - Lance Cpl. Nick Cox, a powerliner assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 242 performs maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada)

Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron(VMGR) 152 refuel MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircrafts with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, during air delivery ground refueling training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 20, 2015. The KC-130J aircraft is capable of carrying more than 12,000 gallons of fuel and simultaneously refueling two aircraft at 300 gallons a minute. This ability, along with many others, makes VMGR-152 and their aircraft an important asset to Marine Corps’ aviation. - Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron(VMGR) 152 refuel MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircrafts with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, during air delivery ground refueling training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 20, 2015. The KC-130J aircraft is capable of carrying more than 12,000 gallons of fuel and simultaneously refueling two aircraft at 300 gallons a minute. This ability, along with many others, makes VMGR-152 and their aircraft an important asset to Marine Corps’ aviation.

Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 152 ordnance Marines watch a GTR-18 missile, better known as a "Smokey SAM," launch toward a KC-130J Super Hercules on an island outside of Okinawa, Japan, during a threat reaction evolution, Aug. 26, 2014. The threat reaction evolution is a chance for pilots to stay up to date on their qualifications while keeping an alert and aware mindset for any arising combat scenario. - Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 152 ordnance Marines watch a GTR-18 missile, better known as a "Smokey SAM," launch toward a KC-130J Super Hercules on an island outside of Okinawa, Japan, during a threat reaction evolution, Aug. 26, 2014. The threat reaction evolution is a chance for pilots to stay up to date on their qualifications while keeping an alert and aware mindset for any arising combat scenario.

Lt. Col. Matthew W. Stover, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, left, walks with Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, middle, and Col. Hunter H. Hobson, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12 upon arriving at MCAS Iwakuni, July 15, 2014.Upon the KC-130J Super Hercules’ touchdown, administrative control of the squadron effectively changed from MCAS Futenma’s, based out of Okinawa, Japan, Marine Aircraft Group-36 to MAG-12 on Iwakuni. VMGR-152 will remain under operational control of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, but MAG-12 will be in charge of providing the squadron with all the gear and supplies necessary in carrying out their missions. - Lt. Col. Matthew W. Stover, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, left, walks with Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, middle, and Col. Hunter H. Hobson, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12 upon arriving at MCAS Iwakuni, July 15, 2014.Upon the KC-130J Super Hercules’ touchdown, administrative control of the squadron effectively changed from MCAS Futenma’s, based out of Okinawa, Japan, Marine Aircraft Group-36 to MAG-12 on Iwakuni. VMGR-152 will remain under operational control of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, but MAG-12 will be in charge of providing the squadron with all the gear and supplies necessary in carrying out their missions.