First Norwegian F-35 Training Sortie

12/18/2015
12/18/2015: LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- The first two Norwegian F-35s arrived here Nov. 10. Shortly after, a Norwegian pilot flew the F-35 Lightning II for the first time, in conjunction with the Royal Norwegian Air Force's birthday. The F-35 program took its first step forward, integrating partner nations…

MV-22 Osprey Pilots Obtain Carrier Qualifications

12/17/2015
12/17/2015: MV-22 Osprey pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Air Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, obtain carrier qualification in conjunction with Blue Chromite 2016, a large-scale amphibious exercise in Okinawa, Japan. Units participating in Blue Chromite benefit from naval training resources in the…

Successful SM-3 Test by the US and Japan Completed

12/12/2015
12/12/2015: The Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, announced the successful completion of a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA flight test from the Point Mugu Sea Range, San Nicolas Island, California. This…

Japanese Defense Minister visits MCAS Iwakuni (2)

12/05/2015
12/05/2015: Gen Nakatani, Japanese Defense Minister, tours Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 facilities during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 2, 2015. Station officials welcomed Nakatani before touring VMGR-152 and the air traffic control tower. Credit: Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni:12/2/15    

Japanese Defense Minister visits MCAS Iwakuni

12/02/2015
12/02/2015: Gen Nakatani, Japanese Defense Minister, tours Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 facilities during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 2, 2015. As part of the growing U.S. – Japan relationship, this visit provided Nakatani an opportunity to connect with station officials and view…

Preparing UMSC Aircraft for Ops at Iwakuni

10/17/2015
10/17/2015: Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, the "Bats," have Marines working day and night to keep aircraft ready to go at a moments notice. Some Marines contribute to this mission by strapping bombs to aircraft. Credit: American Forces Network Iwakuni, Japan:8/19/15  

Dawn Blitz 2015

09/21/2015
09/21/2015: Naval, aviation and ground forces from the United States, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand participated in Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 off the coast and ashore in Southern California from August 31 to September 9. Dawn Blitz 2015 (DB15) is a multinational amphibious exercise designed to train the U.S. Navy and…

Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015

09/21/2015
09/21/2015: Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. Credit: Defense Media Activity - Marines:8/31/15