MCAS Iwakuni supports ORIENT SHIELD 21

Photo By Sgt. Mitchell Austin | USNS Fisher approaches the harbor at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni Japan, June 24, 2021, as part of ORIENT SHIELD 21-2 (OS 21-2). OS 21-2 is the largest annual bilateral field training exercise in Japan between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), with approximately 1,400 U.S personnel and 1,600 JGSDF personnel in participation. With both its air and sea facilities, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely positioned to support the dynamic employment of forces across the Indo-Pacific area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mitchell Austin)  

MCAS IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

06.24.2021

Story by 2nd Lt. Aaron Ellis 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni served as a major seaport of debarkation for ORIENT SHIELD 21-2, the largest annual bilateral field training exercise (FTX) in Japan between the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) that focuses on multi-domain operation and cross-domain operation, on 24 June 2021.
MCAS Iwakuni aided in the debarkation of over 100 rolling stock and the roll-off of four Army AH-64 Apaches. The Apaches were towed off, made safe for flight, and then took off from MCAS Iwakuni to conduct the rest of the exercise. The logistical movement demonstrated MCAS Iwakuni’s ability to serve as both a sea and air port of debarkation.
This year’s Orient Shield marks the 35th iteration of the annual Japan-based exercise, which began in 1985, and is comprised of approximately 1,400 U.S. personnel and 1,600 JGSDF personnel. The FTX is being executed through the battalion-level, with participating units focusing on tactical operations to improve their skills and ability to operate hand-in-hand with Japanese forces. Some units will participate remotely, refining their ability to operate in a geographically distributed environment, in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
During the exercise, participants will exchange ideas, tactics, techniques, military experiences, and cultural information. The exercise is designed to enhance U.S.-Japan combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening our bilateral relationship, demonstrating U.S. resolve to support Article V of the U.S.-Japan security treaty and the security interests of partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2021
• Date Posted: 06.30.2021 00:20
• Story ID: 400019
• Location: MCAS IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP