MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Japan — The Republic of Korea’s ambassador to Japan paid a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Nov. 2.
Ambassador Shin Kak Soo was given an in-depth tour of the installation and was briefed by the air station commanding officer and his staff. The visit was designed to strengthen the bilateral partnership between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea.
“This continues to solidify our relationship with the Republic of Korea,” said Col. James G. Flynn, commanding officer of MCAS Futenma. “We have an important role to play in the defense and humanitarian support to the Pacific theater.”
It is important for the ambassador to see what we do here, said Flynn.
The ambassador’s visit also included a flight over Okinawa in a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter with the support of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“The units stationed on MCAS Futenma operate throughout the Pacific,” said Col. Robert S. Adams, director of the Defense Policy Review Initiative, MCIPAC. “We certainly do well to support our allies in the Republic of Korea.
“III MEF is a forward-deployed Marine presence in this area of the world,” Adams added. “We can mobilize and go anywhere, at any time, in support of anyone who requests our assistance in the Pacific.”