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Marines

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Members of the “Takodach” volleyball team warm up before the U.S.-Japan volleyball tournament at the Atago Sports Complex in Iwakuni, Japan, March 3, 2024. The event was hosted to give Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Japanese participants the opportunity to participate in a fun athletic event while promoting sportsmanship and cultural exchange. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Members of the “Takodach” volleyball team warm up before the U.S.-Japan volleyball tournament at the Atago Sports Complex in Iwakuni, Japan, March 3, 2024. The event was hosted to give Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Japanese participants the opportunity to participate in a fun athletic event while promoting sportsmanship and cultural exchange. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins

U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Austin Coon, left, an Idaho native with Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Iwakuni, plays “Kendama” with a Japanese child during a cultural exchange community relations event in Iwakuni, Japan, March 2, 2024 (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault).

U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Austin Coon, left, an Idaho native with Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Iwakuni, plays “Kendama” with a Japanese child during a cultural exchange community relations event in Iwakuni, Japan, March 2, 2024 (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault).

Photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault

Iwakuni Middle School and Matthew C. Perry High school perform a song at the 2024 Iwakuni U.S.-Japan Friendship Concert at Sinfonia Concert Hall, Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 24, 2024. The U.S.-Japan Friendship Concert is an annual event hosted by Chugoku-Shikoku Defense Bureau that allows students from different cultures to perform and have the opportunity to build a connection through music. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rylan Adcock)

Iwakuni Middle School and Matthew C. Perry High school perform a song at the 2024 Iwakuni U.S.-Japan Friendship Concert at Sinfonia Concert Hall, Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 24, 2024. The U.S.-Japan Friendship Concert is an annual event hosted by Chugoku-Shikoku Defense Bureau that allows students from different cultures to perform and have the opportunity to build a connection through music. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rylan Adcock)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett

Samuel Bailey, a legal assistance attorney with Legal Services Support Team, gives a speech to U.S. service members, families, and students from Matthew C. Perry High School, during a naturalization ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 28, 2024. The naturalization ceremony was conducted to performed to welcome and celebrate the accomplishment of MCAS Iwakuni military members becoming citizens of the United States. The ceremony included service members from Mexico and Colombia. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

Samuel Bailey, a legal assistance attorney with Legal Services Support Team, gives a speech to U.S. service members, families, and students from Matthew C. Perry High School, during a naturalization ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 28, 2024. The naturalization ceremony was conducted to performed to welcome and celebrate the accomplishment of MCAS Iwakuni military members becoming citizens of the United States. The ceremony included service members from Mexico and Colombia. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, center, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, poses for a group photo with the winners of the February 2024 MCAS Iwakuni Art Awards at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 22, 2024. The air station presented awards for 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 Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, center, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, poses for a group photo with the winners of the February 2024 MCAS Iwakuni Art Awards at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 22, 2024. The air station presented awards for 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 Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett

Sheryl Igmen, center left, a member of the Marine Corps Community Services Iwakuni New Parent Support Program, and her family pose for a photo following the January 2024 Impact Iwakuni award presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 15, 2024. The Impact Iwakuni award is presented monthly to recipients that make a significant positive impact on the community, and Sheryl Igmen won the award for choosing to become a certified infant massage instructor, organizing a holiday event over 150 people, and more. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

Sheryl Igmen, center left, a member of the Marine Corps Community Services Iwakuni New Parent Support Program, and her family pose for a photo following the January 2024 Impact Iwakuni award presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 15, 2024. The Impact Iwakuni award is presented monthly to recipients that make a significant positive impact on the community, and Sheryl Igmen won the award for choosing to become a certified infant massage instructor, organizing a holiday event over 150 people, and more. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz revisited a bus stop originally painted in 2021 to revitalize its color and design Dededo, Guam, Feb. 5, 2024. MCB Camp Blaz partnered with the Dededo Mayor’s Office to touch up the bus stop across from its current home on NCTS Guam as one of its island beautification Projects. Community service and volunteer events allow service members to build and foster relationships with the community while also giving back to it. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Ryan Little)

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz revisited a bus stop originally painted in 2021 to revitalize its color and design Dededo, Guam, Feb. 5, 2024. MCB Camp Blaz partnered with the Dededo Mayor’s Office to touch up the bus stop across from its current home on NCTS Guam as one of its island beautification Projects. Community service and volunteer events allow service members to build and foster relationships with the community while also giving back to it. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Ryan Little)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Little

Yamaguchi Prefectural Agricultural Cooperative Association members, leadership from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, the principals of Matthew C. Perry Primary School and Iwakuni Intermediate School, and student representatives wait to be introduced during the 2024 Mikan Presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. This annual ceremony allows Suo-Oshima farmers and distributors to give students mikans, a winter seasonal fruit and symbol of the island, to show appreciation and strengthen the relationship between the communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Phuchung Nguyen)

Yamaguchi Prefectural Agricultural Cooperative Association members, leadership from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, the principals of Matthew C. Perry Primary School and Iwakuni Intermediate School, and student representatives wait to be introduced during the 2024 Mikan Presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. This annual ceremony allows Suo-Oshima farmers and distributors to give students mikans, a winter seasonal fruit and symbol of the island, to show appreciation and strengthen the relationship between the communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Phuchung Nguyen)

Photo by Sgt. Phuchung Nguyen

Nicole Colburn, a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) art teacher at Iwakuni Intermediate School, looks around her classroom at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. A native of Shirley, Massachusetts, Colburn teaches art as a way to follow her passion for the history, culture, and creativity of art.(U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Nicole Colburn, a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) art teacher at Iwakuni Intermediate School, looks around her classroom at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. A native of Shirley, Massachusetts, Colburn teaches art as a way to follow her passion for the history, culture, and creativity of art.(U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins

Nicole Colburn, a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) art teacher at Iwakuni Intermediate School, looks around her classroom at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. A native of Shirley, Massachusetts, Colburn teaches art as a way to follow her passion for the history, culture, and creativity of art.(U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Nicole Colburn, a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) art teacher at Iwakuni Intermediate School, looks around her classroom at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. A native of Shirley, Massachusetts, Colburn teaches art as a way to follow her passion for the history, culture, and creativity of art.(U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Cpl. Peter Rawlins

A student from Iwakuni Intermediate School, right, describes her artwork to U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, during an art awards presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 25, 2024. The air station presented awards for 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 Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault)

A student from Iwakuni Intermediate School, right, describes her artwork to U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, during an art awards presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 25, 2024. The air station presented awards for 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 Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault

Volunteers with the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society pose for a group photo at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 23, 2024. The MCAS Iwakuni NMCRS hosted a luncheon to recognize volunteers for their service to the community and celebrates the 120th birthday of the organization (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rylan Adcock).

Volunteers with the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society pose for a group photo at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 23, 2024. The MCAS Iwakuni NMCRS hosted a luncheon to recognize volunteers for their service to the community and celebrates the 120th birthday of the organization (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rylan Adcock).

Photo by Lance Cpl. Rylan Adcock

U.S. Sailors with the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Chief Petty Officer Association and local Iwakuni residents participate in a trash clean-up competition as part of a community relations event in Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 19, 2024. Community events such as this trash cleanup helps to build camaraderie through friendly competition, while being a positive force in the local area. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

U.S. Sailors with the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Chief Petty Officer Association and local Iwakuni residents participate in a trash clean-up competition as part of a community relations event in Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 19, 2024. Community events such as this trash cleanup helps to build camaraderie through friendly competition, while being a positive force in the local area. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett

From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeferson HernandezEscobar, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Company 36, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, Lance Cpl. Cyrus Fayiah, an electrician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, and U.S. Navy Aviation Mechanic Seaman Alwayne Cowie, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, swear in during a naturalization ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 30, 2024. The naturalization ceremony was held to acknowledge MCAS Iwakuni service members’ becoming citizens of the United States. The ceremony included service members from El Salvador, Liberia, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Colin Thibault)

From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeferson HernandezEscobar, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Company 36, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, Lance Cpl. Cyrus Fayiah, an electrician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, and U.S. Navy Aviation Mechanic Seaman Alwayne Cowie, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, swear in during a naturalization ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 30, 2024. The naturalization ceremony was held to acknowledge MCAS Iwakuni service members’ becoming citizens of the United States. The ceremony included service members from El Salvador, Liberia, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Colin Thibault)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, left, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Akiko Takemoto, an employee of the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni property department, pose for a photo following an Impact Iwakuni award presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 18, 2024. The Impact Iwakuni award is presented monthly to recipients that make a significant positive impact on the community, and Akiko Takemoto won the award for leading and coordinating volunteer efforts and donations for a local animal shelter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, left, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Akiko Takemoto, an employee of the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni property department, pose for a photo following an Impact Iwakuni award presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 18, 2024. The Impact Iwakuni award is presented monthly to recipients that make a significant positive impact on the community, and Akiko Takemoto won the award for leading and coordinating volunteer efforts and donations for a local animal shelter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sailor, rewards his military working dog after correctly identifying a training explosive during joint training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 19, 2023. The MCAS Iwakuni military working dog team conducted joint training with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force working dog handlers from Kure, Japan, reinforcing previously established techniques and sharing new skills in the process. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long)

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sailor, rewards his military working dog after correctly identifying a training explosive during joint training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 19, 2023. The MCAS Iwakuni military working dog team conducted joint training with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force working dog handlers from Kure, Japan, reinforcing previously established techniques and sharing new skills in the process. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Long

Volunteers with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni sing Christmas carols to preschool students at Higashi Hoikuen in Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 19, 2023. Every month, volunteers from MCAS Iwakuni visit local preschools in Iwakuni to foster a healthy and positive relationship between base personnel and the local community, and this month they brought gifts and shared other American holiday traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

Volunteers with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni sing Christmas carols to preschool students at Higashi Hoikuen in Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 19, 2023. Every month, volunteers from MCAS Iwakuni visit local preschools in Iwakuni to foster a healthy and positive relationship between base personnel and the local community, and this month they brought gifts and shared other American holiday traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

Photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz

U.S. service members from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni sing Christmas carols during a community relations event at Higashi Nursery, Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 19, 2023. Every month, volunteers from MCAS Iwakuni visit local preschools in Iwakuni to foster a healthy and positive relationship between base personnel and the local community, and this month they brought gifts and shared other American holiday traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault)

U.S. service members from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni sing Christmas carols during a community relations event at Higashi Nursery, Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 19, 2023. Every month, volunteers from MCAS Iwakuni visit local preschools in Iwakuni to foster a healthy and positive relationship between base personnel and the local community, and this month they brought gifts and shared other American holiday traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault)

Photo by Pfc. Colin Thibault

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ShinMaywa US-2 prepares to land on the water during the JMSDF New Year’s flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, January 5, 2023. 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 Sgt. Mitchell Austin)

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ShinMaywa US-2 prepares to land on the water during the JMSDF New Year’s flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, January 5, 2023. 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 Sgt. Mitchell Austin)

Photo by Sgt. Mitchell Austin

Japanese media and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force distinguished guests board a JMSDF ShinMaywa US-2 for the JMSDF New Year flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, January 5, 2023. 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. Isaac Orozco)

Japanese media and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force distinguished guests board a JMSDF ShinMaywa US-2 for the JMSDF New Year flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, January 5, 2023. 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. Isaac Orozco)

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Orozco