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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cole Moore, a powerline mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, secures storage on an F/A-18C Hornet at JASDF Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, July 24, 2017. Maintenance keeps aircraft in a constant state of preparedness to enhance operational readiness and mission accomplishment. This is the first time that VMFA-232 has been to JASDF Hyakuri Air Base, which gave the local Japanese forces the ability to simulate air-to-air maneuvers with dissimilar aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mason Roy) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cole Moore, a powerline mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, secures storage on an F/A-18C Hornet at JASDF Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, July 24, 2017. Maintenance keeps aircraft in a constant state of preparedness to enhance operational readiness and mission accomplishment. This is the first time that VMFA-232 has been to JASDF Hyakuri Air Base, which gave the local Japanese forces the ability to simulate air-to-air maneuvers with dissimilar aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mason Roy)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Xavier Diaz, an airframes mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, waits before refilling the reservoirs of an F/A-18C Hornet at Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, July 12, 2017. VMFA-232 has been conducting exercises with the JASDF as part of the Aviation Training Relocation program, which is designed to increase operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces. The squadron plans to enhance proficiency in dissimilar basic fighter section engaged maneuvers, active air defense and air interdictions, as well as conduct fighter attack instructor work-ups, and weapons and tactics instructor prerequisites. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mason Roy) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Xavier Diaz, an airframes mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, waits before refilling the reservoirs of an F/A-18C Hornet at Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, July 12, 2017. VMFA-232 has been conducting exercises with the JASDF as part of the Aviation Training Relocation program, which is designed to increase operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces. The squadron plans to enhance proficiency in dissimilar basic fighter section engaged maneuvers, active air defense and air interdictions, as well as conduct fighter attack instructor work-ups, and weapons and tactics instructor prerequisites. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mason Roy)

A Japanese Ground Self-Defense service member picks up a neutralized threat on a contaminated airstrip during a simulated joint study with U.S. Marine chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists from Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 13, 2017. The joint study tests Marines' and JGSDF CBRN response capabilities. The JGSDF service member is with 15th Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense Unit (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld). - A Japanese Ground Self-Defense service member picks up a neutralized threat on a contaminated airstrip during a simulated joint study with U.S. Marine chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists from Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 13, 2017. The joint study tests Marines' and JGSDF CBRN response capabilities. The JGSDF service member is with 15th Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense Unit (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld).

U.S. Marines and Airmen conduct a hot pit refuel on the F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 27, 2017. The Marines are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and the Airmen are with 18th Logistics and Readiness Squadron, 353 Special Operations Group, 18th Wing. The two-day exercise enabled the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps to improve interoperability and develop tactics, techniques and procedures involving the new aircraft for future joint FARP operations throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific Theater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm) - U.S. Marines and Airmen conduct a hot pit refuel on the F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 27, 2017. The Marines are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and the Airmen are with 18th Logistics and Readiness Squadron, 353 Special Operations Group, 18th Wing. The two-day exercise enabled the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps to improve interoperability and develop tactics, techniques and procedures involving the new aircraft for future joint FARP operations throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific Theater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 26, 2017. The Marines with VMFA- 121 worked alongside Airmen with the 18th Wing. This event marked the first time an F-35B Lightning II landed in Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe) - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 26, 2017. The Marines with VMFA- 121 worked alongside Airmen with the 18th Wing. This event marked the first time an F-35B Lightning II landed in Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard passes the unit colors to Maj. Gen. Russell A. Sanborn, representing the passing of command during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2017. Sanborn, outgoing 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Thomas D. Weidley and will assume command at Marine Forces Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ortega) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard passes the unit colors to Maj. Gen. Russell A. Sanborn, representing the passing of command during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2017. Sanborn, outgoing 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Thomas D. Weidley and will assume command at Marine Forces Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ortega)

Lt. Col. James Dorlon (right center) slams his opponent to the ground, June 10, 2017, during the annual Henoko Okinawa-Style Sumo Tournament, at Mae-No-Hama Field, in Henoko, Okinawa, Japan. During a bout, competitors try to earn points by making their opponent fall into the dohyo, or sandy pit, without striking or letting go of each other’s belts. The first to gain two points is the victor. Dorlon is a native of Beaverton, Oregon, and the commanding officer of Jungle Warfare Training Center, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez) - Lt. Col. James Dorlon (right center) slams his opponent to the ground, June 10, 2017, during the annual Henoko Okinawa-Style Sumo Tournament, at Mae-No-Hama Field, in Henoko, Okinawa, Japan. During a bout, competitors try to earn points by making their opponent fall into the dohyo, or sandy pit, without striking or letting go of each other’s belts. The first to gain two points is the victor. Dorlon is a native of Beaverton, Oregon, and the commanding officer of Jungle Warfare Training Center, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

F-35B Lightning II aircraft, belonging to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12, arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni January 12, beginning the squadron’s permanent basing at the air station. - F-35B Lightning II aircraft, belonging to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12, arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni January 18, beginning the squadron’s permanent basing at the air station.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey take flight after a static display presented by Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to Republic of Korea Marines and sailors on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov.30, 2016. 31st MEU Marines continue to participate in events with their ROK counterparts to strengthen interoperability and partnerships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales/released) - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey take flight after a static display presented by Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to Republic of Korea Marines and sailors on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov.30, 2016. 31st MEU Marines continue to participate in events with their ROK counterparts to strengthen interoperability and partnerships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales/released)