Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
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| Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni | |
|---|---|
| Iwakuni, Japan | |
 MCAS Iwakuni logo |
|
| Type | Military base |
| Built | 1950 |
| In use | 1950 - present |
| Controlled by | USMC |
| Garrison | Marine Aircraft Group 12 |
| Commanders | Col Michael A. Dyer |
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is a United States Marine Corps air station located at the Nishiki river delta in the city of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of the island of Honshū, Japan, at . Its ICAO airport code is RJOI.
[edit] History
The Americans first occupied the base in 1950 to use it as a springboard for aircraft heading to the Korean War. It is currently home to around 5,000 United States Marines (including family members). The base is detailed for marine pilot training and air patrol, using F/A-18 Hornet fighter-attack aircraft among others in compliance with the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security obligations to protect Japan.
Every year on May 5th, the local residents and U.S. service members officially celebrate their long-standing friendship.
MCAS Iwakuni, is home to DoDDs school, Matthew C. Perry (Elementary and High School).
