From Nov. 4–6, 2025, Marines and Sailors with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducted the 250th Marine Corps Birthday Run. The event commenced at 5:00 p.m., a time deliberately chosen to synchronize with fellow Marines stationed in Japan. The running of the Colors was a tribute to heritage and legacy across the Wing. For 250 miles, the Colors remained in motion, in three different locations, honoring the Corps’ unbroken spirit.

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Long before she ever wore the uniform, Lance Cpl. Kaiesha Deweever grew up watching the Marines who inspired her path. Born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, till the age of ten where she would find herself living in Pearl City, Hawaii, Deweever’s life was shaped by both the American and Japanese culture. Her father was a U.S. Marine serving over 20 years, and her mother, a native of Okinawa, filled her childhood with the language, customs and traditions of Japan.

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What began as an act of compassion during the Korean War has grown into more than seven decades of friendship between U.S. Marines and the children of Pohang Sunrin Aeyukwon. In 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing witnessed the suffering of children who had lost their families, homes and sense of security. Moved by what they saw, the Marines set aside their roles as warriors and became caretakers. They personally raised $3,500 to build what would become the Marine Memorial Orphanage–later named the Pohang Sunrin Aeyukwon–with assistance from Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 101.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 and Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), established a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) on Yonaguni Island, Japan, Oct. 27 during Joint Exercise 07 alongside the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The operation bolstered U.S. Marine and JGSDF bilateral interoperability and demonstrated 1st MAW’s ability to support shared objectives anywhere within the first island chain.

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Students from Kalāheo High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) executed their annual Basic Cadet Training (BCT) camp at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH). The event immersed cadets in the core values, operations and culture of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Kalāheo NJROTC has a long history of partnering with MCBH to introduce first year cadets to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps principles. As the official unit sponsor, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153, a subordinate squadron of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, worked closely with MCBH to coordinate guided tours, static displays and military instruction over the span of two-days from Sept. 12, 2025, to Sept. 13, 2025. The BCT camp offers orientation training to new cadets while allowing senior cadets to showcase their operational planning and small unit leadership skills by supervising the cadet’s movements between stations. “MCBH Kāne‘ohe has been a tremendous partner over the years,” said retired Lt. Cmdr. Henry Van Oss, the program’s senior naval science instructor. “The support provided by MCBH is a key factor in successfully orienting our new first-year cadets to Navy JROTC and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team.” NJROTC is an elective program emphasizing self-discipline, character development and leadership. At Kalāheo High School, the program supports federally mandated goals as well as many Hawai‘i Content Performance Standards, including social studies, science and physical education. While participation does not require a military obligation, it provides numerous benefits for cadets interested in military careers. This year’s training began with guided tours of the Marine Corps Air Station air traffic control tower and radar room. Cadets then moved to the flight line to learn about Marine Corps aircraft and equipment, including the KC-130J Super Hercules and MV-22B Osprey. “I personally loved going into the Osprey,” said cadet Lacy Bitanga. “I’m thinking about cadets who have never been on a military base. They don’t know what it’s like to be in these types of positions, so I think it’s really cool how they can incorporate civilian life into military life.” In addition to the aircraft displays, cadets also learned about some of the engineering equipment used by Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, including a water filtration system, solar charging station and heavy equipment like the P-19R Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle. At each station, Marines engaged with cadets, explaining their occupational specialties, answering questions and offering insights into military life. After an event filled morning on the first day of training, cadets had lunch while Sgt. Maj. Christopher Rivera, sergeant major of MAG-24, spoke about physical and mental toughness, the ability to lead and his personal connection to the program. Many of the Cadets recognized Rivera because of his daughter, who recently graduated from the Kalāheo High School NJROTC program. “Seeing my daughter benefit directly from the NJROTC program makes this deeply personal,” Rivera explained. “She was a cadet in Kalāheo’s NJROTC and the exposure, discipline and mentorship she received laid the foundation for her transformation. Supporting and mentoring cadets is MAG-24’s way of creating that future, ensuring we leave it in capable hands.” The second day, Cadets gained hands-on experience with simulated marksmanship training before attending a military and career orientation and leadership training. At the conclusion of the training Cadets expressed their thoughts. “As a leader, events like this really help you build a relationship with your cadets,” said cadet Mia Krebbeks, who serves as the cadet’s command master chief. “You’re able to build memories with them, and I think that relationship is one of the most important parts of leadership.” Following this year’s BCT Camp, cadets can move forward with more confidence in their ability to lead others and overcome adversity. Through collaborative programs and opportunities MAG-24 and MCBH will continue supporting cadets in their journey to build resilience, embrace responsibility and answer the call of leadership.

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The U.S. Marine Corps deployed Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 “Red Devils”, an F/A-18

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