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Corina Gonzalez and her family pose for a group photo in front of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Gonzalez is a Marine Corps veteran and loving mother who volunteers at numerous organizations throughout MCAS Iwakuni, and has proven to be a diligent and dedicated member of the community. - Corina Gonzalez and her family pose for a group photo in front of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Gonzalez is a Marine Corps veteran and loving mother who volunteers at numerous organizations throughout MCAS Iwakuni, and has proven to be a diligent and dedicated member of the community.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nahla Beard, an Air Traffic Controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, attempts a Guinness world record at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 7, 2021. Cpl. Beard won the Guinness world record for most chest-to-ground burpees in one minute. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nahla Beard, an Air Traffic Controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, attempts a Guinness world record at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 7, 2021. Cpl. Beard won the Guinness world record for most chest-to-ground burpees in one minute.

Members of the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Fire Department pose for a group photo in front of Fire Station 1 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 29, 2022. The fire department safeguards property and personnel from emergency situations by providing all-hazard response services. To increase the community’s knowledge on fire prevention and education, the fire station hosts open houses and teaches classes throughout the year. - Members of the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Fire Department pose for a group photo in front of Fire Station 1 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 29, 2022. The fire department safeguards property and personnel from emergency situations by providing all-hazard response services. To increase the community’s knowledge on fire prevention and education, the fire station hosts open houses and teaches classes throughout the year.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Xinxin Dai, an air traffic control communications technician, attaches a harness to a radio tower in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, May 17, 2022. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s radio towers are maintained weekly because of their vital role in the communication and safety between several units at the air station. Due to the geographic scope of the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility MCAS Iwakuni serves as a vital link between multiple countries in the Western Pacific theater. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Xinxin Dai, an air traffic control communications technician, attaches a harness to a radio tower in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, May 17, 2022. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s radio towers are maintained weekly because of their vital role in the communication and safety between several units at the air station. Due to the geographic scope of the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility MCAS Iwakuni serves as a vital link between multiple countries in the Western Pacific theater.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Eric Hansen, a boatswain’s mate with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s harbor operation department, pulls in an oil boom at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2022. Boom reels are preventative equipment used to catch oil that may leak from vessels into the water. MCAS Iwakuni’s deep-water harbor plays an essential part in helping supply units on the air station with necessary equipment and helping support different vessels traveling through the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Eric Hansen, a boatswain’s mate with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s harbor operation department, pulls in an oil boom at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2022. Boom reels are preventative equipment used to catch oil that may leak from vessels into the water. MCAS Iwakuni’s deep-water harbor plays an essential part in helping supply units on the air station with necessary equipment and helping support different vessels traveling through the Indo-Pacific region.

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A Japan Air Self-Defense Force UH-60J helicopter with Ashiya Air Rescue Squadron recovers U.S. Marine Corps pilots as part of a bilateral search and rescue exercise at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yufuin, Japan, April 27, 2021. The exercise allows U.S. and Japanese forces to quickly and effectively conduct search and rescue operations while strengthening the partnership between Marines and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel. - A Japan Air Self-Defense Force UH-60J helicopter with Ashiya Air Rescue Squadron recovers U.S. Marine Corps pilots as part of a bilateral search and rescue exercise at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yufuin, Japan, April 27, 2021. The exercise allows U.S. and Japanese forces to quickly and effectively conduct search and rescue operations while strengthening the partnership between Marines and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel.

U.S. Marines rehearse distributed operations in mainland Japan, Jan. 31. - U.S. Marines rehearse distributed operations in mainland Japan, Jan. 31.

U.S. Marines present colors during the change of command and re-designation of VMFA(AW)-242 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 16. - U.S. Marines present colors during the change of command and re-designation of VMFA(AW)-242 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 16.

U.S. Marines pilots fly new F-35B 's out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma to be delivered to Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Japan on March 26. - U.S. Marines pilots fly new F-35B 's out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma to be delivered to Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Japan on March 26.

U.S. Marines and JMSDF Soldiers conduct MWD detection training exercises - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Adam Cook, left, the kennel master for the Provost Marshal Office with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, conducts military working dog detection training at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Nov. 20, 2019. The training was part of a joint force detection exercise with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) soldiers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Triton Lai)

History in the making: “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band visits Japan for first time - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sara Sheffield, left, a mezzo soprano vocalist, and Col. Jason Fettig, the 28th Director, both with "The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, perform at the Yamaguchi Prefectural Culture Hall Sinfonia Iwakuni in Iwakuni City, Japan, May 19, 2019. Nearly 1,200 Japanese locals and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents attended the concert. The centuries-old musical group rarely travels outside of the United States and has never before visited Japan. The last time the band performed internationally was 2001 in Switzerland, making this trip truly historic and unique. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Jones)

Americans, Japanese compete in softball tournament - U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Japanese nationals play a softball game in Iwakuni City, Japan, April 28, 2018. The softball game was part of a tournament hosted by Marine Corps Community Services intramural sports division as a way for service members and air station residents to bond over a sport that people from both cultures play. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Jones)

Coordinating together guarantees mission success - A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 sits idle before MK-82 High Explosive General Purpose bombs are loaded onto the aircraft during hot-pit refueling and hot-load training at Naval Air Station Pohang, Republic of Korea, Dec. 12, 2017. The purpose of the exercise was to show that the Marines could effectively establish a forward arming and refueling point with supporting entities and conduct the training evolutions on foreign soil. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Campbell)

Explosive ordnance disposal Marines conducted emergency destruct training at Target Island, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 14, 2017. The island is located near the air station and is used as a training site for EOD Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlos Jimenez) - Explosive ordnance disposal Marines conducted emergency destruct training at Target Island, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 14, 2017. The island is located near the air station and is used as a training site for EOD Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlos Jimenez)

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 takes off at Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, July 12, 2017. VMFA-232 has been conducting exercises with the JASDF as part of the Aviation Training Relocation program, which is designed to increase operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces, and reduce local noise impacts by dispersing unilateral jet-fighter training of U.S. forces in Japan. - A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 takes off at Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, July 12, 2017. VMFA-232 has been conducting exercises with the JASDF as part of the Aviation Training Relocation program, which is designed to increase operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces, and reduce local noise impacts by dispersing unilateral jet-fighter training of U.S. forces in Japan.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 conducts a level III flight demonstration during the 41st Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2017. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an elevating experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show also encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static aircraft displays, aerial performances and demonstrations, food and entertainment. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 conducts a level III flight demonstration during the 41st Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2017. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an elevating experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show also encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static aircraft displays, aerial performances and demonstrations, food and entertainment.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeffrey Aceti, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, maintains equipment used during airfield damage and repair training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 19, 2017. The ADR training required Marines to utilize their skill set to tactically and proficiently fix any anomalies to a simulated damaged airfield. The training focused on becoming more efficient in situations that may require Marines to act in real-world scenarios to maintain the tempo of aircraft operations. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeffrey Aceti, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, maintains equipment used during airfield damage and repair training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 19, 2017. The ADR training required Marines to utilize their skill set to tactically and proficiently fix any anomalies to a simulated damaged airfield. The training focused on becoming more efficient in situations that may require Marines to act in real-world scenarios to maintain the tempo of aircraft operations.

A Japanese MCH-101 airborne mine countermeasures helicopter lands on a heliport designated by Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment B during a cross-training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 30, 2017. The purpose of the exercise was to simulate a forward arming and refueling points operation, where Marines communicated with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter pilots to perform austere landings on a heliport that acted as an expeditionary runway. - A Japanese MCH-101 airborne mine countermeasures helicopter lands on a heliport designated by Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment B during a cross-training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 30, 2017. The purpose of the exercise was to simulate a forward arming and refueling points operation, where Marines communicated with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter pilots to perform austere landings on a heliport that acted as an expeditionary runway.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. George Price, an Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team instructor with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment Bravo, directs a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during a landing as part of aircraft landing zone training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 21, 2016. The training allows the Marines to gain experience, practice constructing an expeditionary airfield, and complete training and readiness requirements. The MMT Marines conduct this training every three to six months to refine the Marines’ skills, keeping them ready for expeditionary operations while in a garrison environment. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. George Price, an Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team instructor with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment Bravo, directs a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during a landing as part of aircraft landing zone training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 21, 2016. The training allows the Marines to gain experience, practice constructing an expeditionary airfield, and complete training and readiness requirements. The MMT Marines conduct this training every three to six months to refine the Marines’ skills, keeping them ready for expeditionary operations while in a garrison environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Austin Nazworth, a power line technician with Marine Attack Squadron 542, conducts a routine pre-flight inspection on an AV-8B Harrier during the Aviation Training Relocation Program at Chitose Air Base, Dec. 14, 2016. JASDF and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft fly daily as part of the ATR. The ATR is an effort to increase operational readiness between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Air Self Defense Force, improve interoperability and reduce noise concerns of aviation training on local communities by disseminating training locations throughout Japan. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Austin Nazworth, a power line technician with Marine Attack Squadron 542, conducts a routine pre-flight inspection on an AV-8B Harrier during the Aviation Training Relocation Program at Chitose Air Base, Dec. 14, 2016. JASDF and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft fly daily as part of the ATR. The ATR is an effort to increase operational readiness between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Air Self Defense Force, improve interoperability and reduce noise concerns of aviation training on local communities by disseminating training locations throughout Japan.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. George Price, an Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team instructor with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment Bravo, directs a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during a landing as part of aircraft landing zone training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 21, 2016. The training allows the Marines to gain experience, practice constructing an expeditionary airfield, and complete training and readiness requirements. The MMT Marines conduct this training every three to six months to refine the Marines’ skills, keeping them ready for expeditionary operations while in a garrison environment. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. George Price, an Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team instructor with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment Bravo, directs a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during a landing as part of aircraft landing zone training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 21, 2016. The training allows the Marines to gain experience, practice constructing an expeditionary airfield, and complete training and readiness requirements. The MMT Marines conduct this training every three to six months to refine the Marines’ skills, keeping them ready for expeditionary operations while in a garrison environment.

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members executed exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 9, 2016. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test the abilities of U.S. and Japanese forces to work alongside each other to protect and defend Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and other U.S. assets in the region. - U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members executed exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 9, 2016. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test the abilities of U.S. and Japanese forces to work alongside each other to protect and defend Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and other U.S. assets in the region.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cody Braunscheidel, left, an aviation logistics information management systems specialist, and Cpl. Landis Lied, right, an embarkation and logistics specialist assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, pose with students from MacFarlane Primary School in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 1, 2016. Marines are invited to mentor, teach and serve as role models to the students every iteration of Southern Frontier, a three week unit level training conducted by U.S. Marines at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal. With a population of 92 percent indigenous students, the school provides a structured educational environment to the students. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cody Braunscheidel, left, an aviation logistics information management systems specialist, and Cpl. Landis Lied, right, an embarkation and logistics specialist assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, pose with students from MacFarlane Primary School in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 1, 2016. Marines are invited to mentor, teach and serve as role models to the students every iteration of Southern Frontier, a three week unit level training conducted by U.S. Marines at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal. With a population of 92 percent indigenous students, the school provides a structured educational environment to the students.

U.S. Marines from Provost Marshal’s Office K-9 unit trained with Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters officers and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Repair and Supply Facility Petroleum Terminal unit military working dog handlers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016. Handlers and their military working dogs train regularly in a variety of areas such as locating explosives and narcotics, conducting patrols and human tracking in order to become a more effective team. - U.S. Marines from Provost Marshal’s Office K-9 unit trained with Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters officers and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Repair and Supply Facility Petroleum Terminal unit military working dog handlers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016. Handlers and their military working dogs train regularly in a variety of areas such as locating explosives and narcotics, conducting patrols and human tracking in order to become a more effective team.

U.S. Marines from 3rd Marine Division, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to enter a room suspected of hazardous materials during exercise Habu Sentinel 16 at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment. - U.S. Marines from 3rd Marine Division, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to enter a room suspected of hazardous materials during exercise Habu Sentinel 16 at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni hosted friendship day May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts. The event offers a culturally enriching experience that displays aviation performances, demonstrations and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni. - Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni hosted friendship day May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts. The event offers a culturally enriching experience that displays aviation performances, demonstrations and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni.

Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 22, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 22, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Self-Defense Force members deliver earthquake relief supplies to Hakusui Sports Park in island of Kyushu, Japan April 19, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Self-Defense Force members deliver earthquake relief supplies to Hakusui Sports Park in island of Kyushu, Japan April 19, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Lance Cpl. Colten Corsetti, right, military working dog handler with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, escorts Cpl. Brendon Teague, military working dog handler with H&HS, while Corsetti’s K-9 provides security during night training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 9, 2015. To ensure the safety of personnel on the air station, this training is conducted to keep military working dogs familiarized with the installation as its landscape continues to develop with the Defense Policy Review Initiative. Military working dogs are trained in different abilities such as locating narcotics or explosives and conducting patrol work. - Lance Cpl. Colten Corsetti, right, military working dog handler with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, escorts Cpl. Brendon Teague, military working dog handler with H&HS, while Corsetti’s K-9 provides security during night training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 9, 2015. To ensure the safety of personnel on the air station, this training is conducted to keep military working dogs familiarized with the installation as its landscape continues to develop with the Defense Policy Review Initiative. Military working dogs are trained in different abilities such as locating narcotics or explosives and conducting patrol work.