MCAS Iwakuni welcomes US Navy squadrons

Photo By Cpl. Marcus Campbell | U.S. Navy personnel welcome arriving sailors with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 4-5, 2017. The remaining Sailors reunited with friends and family as they arrived at the air station. The relocation of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 from Naval Air Facility Atsugi to MCAS Iwakuni fulfills the final Defense Policy Review Initiative objective. The relocation is in accordance with the United States’ strategic vision for the rebalance in the Indo-Asia Pacific Region and does much to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan security alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Marcus Campbell)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWALKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

12.05.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Gabriela Garcia-Gregorio 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

U.S. Navy personnel with Carrier Air Wing 5 arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 4-5, 2017.

The squadrons arrived as part as the CVW-5 relocation from Naval Air Facility Atsugi to MCAS Iwakuni.

Approximately 700 service members were greeted by their family and friends as they exited the aircraft, while the USO Iwakuni provided them with food and a giftcard.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Reust, the safety officer and EA-18G Growler pilot with Electronic 141, said it’s important to make the sailors feel welcome since the station will be their new home.

The relocation of the squadrons strengthens the alliance between Japan and the U.S. by fulfilling the final Defense Policy Review Initiative objective.

“This base gives us increased capability and interoperability between us and the Marine Corps,” said Reust. “It allows us to do whatever we’re called upon and asked of from our country.”

• Date Taken: 12.05.2017
• Date Posted: 12.05.2017 03:24
• Story ID: 257437
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWALKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP