Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Chief Petty Officer Watabe Daizo, the senior enlisted leader with Air Rescue Squadron (ARS) 71, Fleet Air Wing 31, speaks after ARS-71’s 50th anniversary ceremony, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 17, 2026. ARS-71 held the ceremony to celebrate their 50th anniversary and to recognize the achievements of the squadron. Distinguished visitors were members from the Iwakuni District JMSDF Supporter’s Association, and Koike Maika, who created the 50th anniversary squadron logo. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Gage Collins)
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — While aircraft move in and out of the airfield every day, another mission is constantly happening behind the scenes. Before a jet aligns with the runway or a flight begins its descent, air traffic controllers are already working to connect pilots, units, and agencies across the installation to keep operations safe and controlled.
