News Stories

Sgt. Maj. Joseph S. Gregory appointed as new station sergeant major - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard F. Fuerst, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, marches onto the stage during Sgt. Maj. Joseph S. Gregory’s post ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, March 30, 2018. During the ceremony Gregory was appointed as the new sergeant major of MCAS Iwakuni. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Jones)

MCAS Iwakuni residents attend annual cultural festival in Iwakuni City - American children from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni get dressed in kimonos by local Japanese volunteers during the 61st Annual Culture Festival in Iwakuni City, Japan, March 17, 2018. The festival showcased many traditional Japanese cultural activities and performances. The event was held off base this year with support from Iwakuni City, which allowed more Iwakuni residents to come together with the base community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauren Brune)

Americans, Japanese relay message of friendship - Yoshinbu Tanimoto, left, a Hiroshima resident, and Kathy Chretian, a teacher at Iwakuni Elementary School, pose for a photo during the Iwakuni Friendship Relay Marathon in Iwakuni City, Japan, March 18, 2018. The marathon relay was a family-friendly event open to all ages. Many teams wore themed costumes from popular films, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and friendly competition. Events like this strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Japan and represent the purpose of Kizuna Stadium, where the event was held. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Jones)

Sgt. Maj. Ortega bids MAG-12 farewell, Sgt. Maj. Johnson takes charge - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Miguel A. Ortega, outboard sergeant major for Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, Col. Mark Palmer, commanding officer of MAG-12, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Johnson, sergeant major for MAG-12, pose for a photo after the relief and appointment ceremony of the sergeants major at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 8, 2018. The ceremony was held to show a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Seth Rosenberg)

MCAS Iwakuni residents attend festival in Shunan City - Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents share a meal with Japanese residents during the 20th Hina Doll Festival in Shunan City, Japan, March 3, 2018. The event brought families from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and the Shunan International Children’s Club together to make new friends and bond while taking part in Japanese traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Jones)

U.S.-Japan Friendship Concert showcases harmony between two nations - Allen Strawbridge, music teacher for Matthew C. Perry High School, directs his students in their performance of “Funky Town/I Feel Good” during the eighth annual U.S.-Japan Friendship Concert at the Sinfonia Iwakuni Concert Hall in Iwakuni City, Japan, Feb. 24, 2018. The event allowed students from different cultures to come together to perform and have the opportunity to build connections through music, despite the language barrier. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauren Brune)

Staff with the Robert M. Casey Medical and Dental Clinic at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and professionals within the local medical community gathered at the Egretta restaurant for a hospital symposium in Iwakuni City, Japan, Feb. 23, 2018. - Staff with the Robert M. Casey Medical and Dental Clinic at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni converse with medical professionals within the host nation medical community during a hospital symposium held at the Egretta restaurant in Iwakuni City, Japan, Feb. 23, 2018. The medical institutions gather once a year to discuss common issues and possible solutions in order to continue serving both communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Muriah King)

M.C. Perry student wrestles busy schedule,makes his way to top - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Justin Williamson, assistant coach for Matthew C. Perry High School wrestling and operations officer with the Provost Marshals Office, left, Marshall China, a sophomore at M.C. Perry High School, and Coach Munsell, head coach for Matthew C. Perry High School wrestling, pose for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 21, 2018. Williamson and Munsell have coached China for two years and have provided support and motivation to China throughout his wrestling journey. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Muriah King)

Matthew C. Perry Elementary School welcomed the Shunan International Children’s Club for a performance at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 12, 2018. - Yuna and Sana Kosaka, members of the Shunan International Children’s Club, perform a traditional Japanese dance during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 12, 2018. Over 60 students from Shunan City danced, sang, played instruments and demonstrated traditional martial arts for students from the Matthew C. Perry and Iwakuni Elementary Schools. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Muriah King)

Leaders walk toward unity - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard F. Fuerst, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, addresses local Japanese news media during the Eighth Joint Leadership Walk in Iwakuni City, Japan, Jan. 31, 2018. The event displayed the effort put forth by MCAS Iwakuni to strengthen the existing relationship with the Japanese community and showcased the working relationship between Japanese leaders and MCAS Iwakuni. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Jones)