Station celebrates with more than 285,000 friends

Photo By Master Sgt. Charles McKelvey | III Marine Expeditionary Force band Marine musicians perform during the opening of Friendship Day here May 5, 2012. Friendship Day brought more than 285,000 spectators aboard the station to partake in static displays, American and Japanese vendors and a day-long air show.  

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

05.09.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Pryer 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - The skies opened and the sun shone brightly across Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni as planes soared and people celebrated Friendship Day 2012 here, May 5, 2012.

Since 1973, and even before then under other names, Friendship Day has been one of the greatest opportunities for Japanese near and far to come aboard the air station.

This special day of aerobatic stunts has strengthened cultural ties between Marines in Japan and their hosts throughout the years.

“The biggest goal of today is for local Japanese to have a better appreciation for what the Marine Corps is, what we are about, how individual Marines look and how they act,” said Maj. Gen. William
D. Beydler, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general. “It’s an important day for us to be on our best behavior and put a good foot forward. From what I’ve seen so far today while walking around, the Japanese are fascinated by us and our uniforms and I think they’ll leave here with a favorable impression of what a Marine is.”

The day started with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band marching from the gate three flightline entrance to the main viewing area, where thousands of Japanese visitors had already flocked.

“This event opens up the gates of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to the folks who live in the area, who typically don’t have access to the base and I’m sure most of them are curious as to what goes on over here,” said Beydler. “This is a great way to show the Japanese how much we appreciate what they have done for us as a host nation. The Japanese are largely responsible for the infrastructure on the station. I think this gives them a good view of what they’re doing to support U.S. military capabilities on their home soil.”

Along with continual flight demonstrations which took place over the airfield, static displays, attractions for children and vending booths covered a huge area of the air station.

More than 285,000 Japanese guests swarmed the attractions from a hot rod car display to the historic “Zero” hangar, a battle-scarred Japanese Imperial Navy fighter hangar near the main entrance.
For as many Japanese who walked around the static displays and took pictures with local Marines, even more could be seen with
cameras, constantly filming the aerobatic demonstration.

“This month marks our 100th anniversary of Marine aviation,” said Col. James Stewart, MCAS Iwakuni commanding officer. “This Friendship Day is phenomenal opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities to the local community.”

“We’re members of the community. Whether you live inside or outside the fence line,” said Stewart. “The whole reason this station to exist is for the ability project and sustain our combat power as closest forward deployed point to the Asia mainland, it’s important we can provide demonstrable proof we are always ready fight and win.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better a better event, better people to help celebrate this Friendship Day 2012,” Stewart.

• Date Taken: 05.09.2012
• Date Posted: 05.09.2012 04:38
• Story ID: 88138
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP