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Marines

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Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members with Fleet Air Wing 31 present unit flags during the New Year’s first flight ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 5, 2024. The JMSDF New Year’s flight is typically held at the beginning of January, and this year’s flight showcased the US-2’s capabilities, as well as Fleet Air Wing 31’s ability to swiftly and successfully conduct search and rescue missions. This is the first time in 9 years the event has been held at Iwakuni. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members with Fleet Air Wing 31 present unit flags during the New Year’s first flight ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 5, 2024. The JMSDF New Year’s flight is typically held at the beginning of January, and this year’s flight showcased the US-2’s capabilities, as well as Fleet Air Wing 31’s ability to swiftly and successfully conduct search and rescue missions. This is the first time in 9 years the event has been held at Iwakuni. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson

The U.S. Air Force 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 12 performed a capabilities demonstration during a pre-planned readiness exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 7, 2022. The demonstration included U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets, F-35B Lighting IIs, KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, and U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and F-35A Lighting II aircraft, showcasing a high level of readiness and joint service capability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jackson Ricker)

The U.S. Air Force 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 12 performed a capabilities demonstration during a pre-planned readiness exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 7, 2022. The demonstration included U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets, F-35B Lighting IIs, KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, and U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and F-35A Lighting II aircraft, showcasing a high level of readiness and joint service capability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jackson Ricker)

Photo by Sgt. Jackson Ricker

U.S. service members assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni chant war cries during the annual Kuragake Castle Festival in Kuga Town, Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. Iwakuni held the annual Kuragake Castle Festival and Samurai Parade to commemorate Lord Oyakata-sama and his men’s bravery during the Great Battle of Faith in 1555. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Orozco)

U.S. service members assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni chant war cries during the annual Kuragake Castle Festival in Kuga Town, Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. Iwakuni held the annual Kuragake Castle Festival and Samurai Parade to commemorate Lord Oyakata-sama and his men’s bravery during the Great Battle of Faith in 1555. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Orozco)

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Orozco

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Dylan Theberge, center, an aviation supply specialist with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 12, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, and his daughters pose for a photo with Sgt. Maj. Jody Armentrout, left, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Col. Richard Rusnok, right, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, during the October Impact Iwakuni award presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. Master Sgt. Theberge and his daughters are soccer coaches for 3- and 4-year-olds in the youth sports program and were recognized by the air station for their efforts in making a substantial impact on the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Dylan Theberge, center, an aviation supply specialist with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 12, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, and his daughters pose for a photo with Sgt. Maj. Jody Armentrout, left, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Col. Richard Rusnok, right, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, during the October Impact Iwakuni award presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. Master Sgt. Theberge and his daughters are soccer coaches for 3- and 4-year-olds in the youth sports program and were recognized by the air station for their efforts in making a substantial impact on the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson

A military spouse and child wait for Sailors of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 to return from deployment ,Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 20 2023. CVW-5’s return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN -76), where they projected airpower in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long)

A military spouse and child wait for Sailors of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 to return from deployment ,Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 20 2023. CVW-5’s return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN -76), where they projected airpower in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Ikeada Takao, the representative for awardees with 40 years of service, bow to each other during an award ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. The ceremony celebrates Master Labor Contractors years of service to the air station. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Long)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Ikeada Takao, the representative for awardees with 40 years of service, bow to each other during an award ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. The ceremony celebrates Master Labor Contractors years of service to the air station. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Long)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long

Fumio Shimohara, an Iwakuni, Japan, native, top right, and U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, hammer clamps into wooden logs during a community relations event at “Iwakuni Old Road,” Miwa Town, Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 16, 2023. Service members from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni have been helping locals maintain the road since 2005 to reinforce the relationship between MCAS Iwakuni and the local Japanese community (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong).

Fumio Shimohara, an Iwakuni, Japan, native, top right, and U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, hammer clamps into wooden logs during a community relations event at “Iwakuni Old Road,” Miwa Town, Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 16, 2023. Service members from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni have been helping locals maintain the road since 2005 to reinforce the relationship between MCAS Iwakuni and the local Japanese community (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong).

Photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Daniel Yates, the executive officer of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, prepares to embrace his child during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. CVW-5’s return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), where they projected airpower in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Daniel Yates, the executive officer of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, prepares to embrace his child during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. CVW-5’s return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), where they projected airpower in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Murphy, an F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot with Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 102, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, hugs his children during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. CVW-5’s return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), where they projected airpower in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien Wright)

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Murphy, an F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot with Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 102, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, hugs his children during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. CVW-5’s return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), where they projected airpower in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien Wright)

Photo by Cpl. Darien Wright

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kai Siegele, the commanding officer of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, is welcomed back from deployment by his children at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. VAW-125’s return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), where they projected airpower in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Phuchung Nguyen)

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kai Siegele, the commanding officer of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, is welcomed back from deployment by his children at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. VAW-125’s return marked the completion of their most recent deployment aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), where they projected airpower in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Phuchung Nguyen)

Photo by Sgt. Phuchung Nguyen

Medical personnel with Naval Family Branch Health Clinic Iwakuni and the Iwakuni Clinical Center are quizzed on medical questions during a monthly study group at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 3, 2023. MCAS Iwakuni and Iwakuni Clinical Center medical personnel conduct monthly study groups to exchange feedback on how to better accommodate military personnel and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

Medical personnel with Naval Family Branch Health Clinic Iwakuni and the Iwakuni Clinical Center are quizzed on medical questions during a monthly study group at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 3, 2023. MCAS Iwakuni and Iwakuni Clinical Center medical personnel conduct monthly study groups to exchange feedback on how to better accommodate military personnel and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

Photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni stand at parade rest while wearing uniforms from different eras of the Marine Corps as part of the 248th Marine Corps birthday uniform pageant at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 1, 2023. The annual pageant is held to celebrate the history and sacrifices of the U.S. Marine Corps while signifying the passing of traditions from one generation to the next and into the future. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong)

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni stand at parade rest while wearing uniforms from different eras of the Marine Corps as part of the 248th Marine Corps birthday uniform pageant at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 1, 2023. The annual pageant is held to celebrate the history and sacrifices of the U.S. Marine Corps while signifying the passing of traditions from one generation to the next and into the future. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong)

Photo by Cpl. Raymond Tong

Preschool students perform a dance in celebration of Halloween during a community relations event at Ekimae Hoikuen, Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. The air station regularly conducts community relations events, such as these, to reinforce the relationship between MCAS Iwakuni members and the local Japanese community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Preschool students perform a dance in celebration of Halloween during a community relations event at Ekimae Hoikuen, Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. The air station regularly conducts community relations events, such as these, to reinforce the relationship between MCAS Iwakuni members and the local Japanese community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins

Anh Huynh, a Vietnam native, left, Wai Chan, a Hong-Kong native, center, and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Stephen, a Guyana native, recite the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan Oct. 31, 2023. MCAS Iwakuni regularly conducts naturalization ceremonies for new citizens. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long)

Anh Huynh, a Vietnam native, left, Wai Chan, a Hong-Kong native, center, and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Stephen, a Guyana native, recite the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan Oct. 31, 2023. MCAS Iwakuni regularly conducts naturalization ceremonies for new citizens. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long

A student at Matthew C. Perry Primary School, left, stands as U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Aaron Ellis, the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Communication Strategy Deputy Director, reads a certificate during an art awards presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Oct. 31, 2023. The air station hosted its monthly art competition in which students attending schools at the air station showcase their artistic talent through different art mediums. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien Wright)

A student at Matthew C. Perry Primary School, left, stands as U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Aaron Ellis, the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Communication Strategy Deputy Director, reads a certificate during an art awards presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Oct. 31, 2023. The air station hosted its monthly art competition in which students attending schools at the air station showcase their artistic talent through different art mediums. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien Wright)

Photo by Cpl. Darien Wright

A drug-free banner is displayed during the Red-Ribbon Week 2023 event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 30, 2023. Red-Ribbon Week highlights the importance of living a drug-free life and gives educators and other community leaders the opportunity to reinforce drug-free messages with students and children. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

A drug-free banner is displayed during the Red-Ribbon Week 2023 event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 30, 2023. Red-Ribbon Week highlights the importance of living a drug-free life and gives educators and other community leaders the opportunity to reinforce drug-free messages with students and children. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, pose for a group photo at the closing ceremony of exercise Active Shield 23 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 27, 2023. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test and improve the air station’s response during base defense operations of MCAS Iwakuni and other installations in the region to sustain military operations and support the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Orozco)

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, pose for a group photo at the closing ceremony of exercise Active Shield 23 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 27, 2023. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test and improve the air station’s response during base defense operations of MCAS Iwakuni and other installations in the region to sustain military operations and support the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Orozco)

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Orozco

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Fire and Emergency Services members demonstrate victim extraction during a fire department open house as part of National Fire Prevention Week, at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 14, 2023. NFPW is the longest running public-health observance in the United States, and it is an annual observance which promotes fire safety and awareness by teaching the community about fire hazards and best practices. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lance Kell)

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Fire and Emergency Services members demonstrate victim extraction during a fire department open house as part of National Fire Prevention Week, at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 14, 2023. NFPW is the longest running public-health observance in the United States, and it is an annual observance which promotes fire safety and awareness by teaching the community about fire hazards and best practices. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lance Kell)

Photo by Sgt. Lance Kell

From left, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Gallucci, commanding officer of 10th Support Group Ammunition Depot, U.S Marine Corps Sgt. Gabriel Hutchins, and Sgt. Riley Hummell, both explosive ordnance disposal technicians assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, set up computer systems during Exercise Active Shield 23 at Camp Kure U.S. Army Ammunition Depot, Kure, Japan, Oct 19, 2023. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test and improve the air station’s response during base defense operations of MCAS Iwakuni and other installations in the region to sustain military operations and support the U.S. Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

From left, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Gallucci, commanding officer of 10th Support Group Ammunition Depot, U.S Marine Corps Sgt. Gabriel Hutchins, and Sgt. Riley Hummell, both explosive ordnance disposal technicians assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, set up computer systems during Exercise Active Shield 23 at Camp Kure U.S. Army Ammunition Depot, Kure, Japan, Oct 19, 2023. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test and improve the air station’s response during base defense operations of MCAS Iwakuni and other installations in the region to sustain military operations and support the U.S. Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins

U.S. Marine Corps military police officers with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, secure an M2 machine gun with sandbags during Exercise Active Shield 23 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 24, 2023. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test and improve the air station’s response during base defense operations of MCAS Iwakuni and other installations in the region to sustain military operations and support the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

U.S. Marine Corps military police officers with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, secure an M2 machine gun with sandbags during Exercise Active Shield 23 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 24, 2023. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test and improve the air station’s response during base defense operations of MCAS Iwakuni and other installations in the region to sustain military operations and support the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson