News Stories

Yoshihiko Fukuda, mayor of Iwakuni City, Japan, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. J. T. Bardo, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, observe an F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 24, 2016. The demonstration of the F-35B gave Fukuda a better understanding of the aircraft and its capabilities. This event helped Fukuda better understand the capabilities of VMFA 121.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Wicks) - Yoshihiko Fukuda, mayor of Iwakuni City, Japan, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. J. T. Bardo, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, observe an F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 24, 2016. The demonstration of the F-35B gave Fukuda a better understanding of the aircraft and its capabilities. This event helped Fukuda better understand the capabilities of VMFA 121.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Wicks)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo, 6th Air Wing commanding general, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John L. Dolan, commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, study a flight diagram during a visit to Komatsu Air Base, Japan, March 9, 2016. Dolan visited Komatsu Air Base for the first time to observe the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise between Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The ATR program has three main goals: to increase operational readiness, improve interoperability, and reduce local noise impacts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released) - Japan Air Self-Defense Force Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo, 6th Air Wing commanding general, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John L. Dolan, commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, study a flight diagram during a visit to Komatsu Air Base, Japan, March 9, 2016. Dolan visited Komatsu Air Base for the first time to observe the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise between Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The ATR program has three main goals: to increase operational readiness, improve interoperability, and reduce local noise impacts. (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) - 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)

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, stationed load onto Marine Wing Support Squadron 171’s MK-31 tractor/extended bed during Exercise Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 8, 2015. MWSS-171 is supporting Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 and 1st Battalion 2nd Marines during this exercise using their communications, motor transport and refueling capabilities. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, stationed load onto Marine Wing Support Squadron 171’s MK-31 tractor/extended bed during Exercise Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 8, 2015. MWSS-171 is supporting Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 and 1st Battalion 2nd Marines during this exercise using their communications, motor transport and refueling capabilities.

Marine Attack Squadron 311, the “Tomcats,” arrived aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 27, 2015, in support of the unit deployment program. The squadron’s presence at MCAS Iwakuni allows the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Marine Aircraft Group 12 to have amphibious fixed-winged capabilities. - Marine Attack Squadron 311, the “Tomcats,” arrived aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 27, 2015, in support of the unit deployment program. The squadron’s presence at MCAS Iwakuni allows the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Marine Aircraft Group 12 to have amphibious fixed-winged capabilities.