Death Rattlers arrive aboard MCAS Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

03.11.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Carlos Cruz Jr.  

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, the “Death Rattlers,” arrived aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Unit Deployment Program, Feb. 12, 2015.

The squadron’s overall mission is to support regional combatant commanders with whatever operational plans or strategic goals that they have.

“Close air support, pilot proficiency training and enhancing relations with the Japanese are our primary goals,” said Staff Sgt. Chandra Drayton, operations chief with VMFA-323. “Through those goals we plan to make pilots proficient in their designations and strengthen section leader’s and division leader’s capability to be able to sustain combat operations.”

Originally stationed at MCAS Miramar, California, VMFA-323 arrived from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to replace VMFA-115, bringing with them approximately 200 Marines and approximately 10 F/A-18c Hornet jets.

“323 is a squadron that usually deploys on aircraft carriers with the Navy,” said Capt. Josh Southerland, flight officer with VMFA-323.

“Our squadron has not been here in over two decades… and within the short amount of time that we have here, it is important that we build bonds with the Japanese because we don’t get many chances like this.”

VMFA-323 is currently participating in operations in Hyakuri, Japan, and is scheduled to depart from MCAS Iwakuni later this year.

• Date Taken: 03.11.2015
• Date Posted: 03.12.2015 03:22
• Story ID: 156723
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP