MCIPAC Public Affairs Office

The Holiday Food Gift Card Program provides families in the military community on Okinawa in financial need with funding so they can enjoy a holiday meal with their loved ones. The program is facilitated by Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa and major commands across Okinawa and is scheduled to accept donations until Dec. 1 at Marine and Family Programs aboard Camp Foster. Status of Forces Agreement members are invited to participate by donating $25 commissary gift cards. For further information, contact Marine and Family Programs: 645-2104.

Tsuchiya Naoka shows the class a Japanese teapot called a kyusu during a green tea seminar Nov. 22 on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The Marine Corps Community Services-hosted class provided Status of Forces Agreement members with the opportunity to learn about the proper preparation, health benefits and cultural background of Japanese green tea, also called matcha. Naoka, a certified tea specialist, described the many types of tea and the history of green tea consumption in Japan. After detailing the history of green tea in Japan, Naoka demonstrated the proper steps of preparing the tea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon)

Col. Peter Lee poses for a photo with master labor contractors during the 241st Marine Corps Birthday celebration at the mess hall Nov. 9 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The celebration was one of many held on installations across Okinawa to uphold the tradition of celebrating the Marine Corps’ birthday, which dates back to Nov. 10, 1775. The event featured a mouthwatering steak and lobster meal, a uniform pageant by Kubasaki High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and a live performance by the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and was open to service members, civilian contractors, master labor contractors, and their families to celebrate together. Lee is the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon/Released)

Scouts from Scout Association of Japan and the Boy Scouts of America participate in a tug-of-war during the 23rd Boy Scouts of America-Scout Association of Japan Friendship Jamborette Nov. 5-6 aboard Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. According to Bockoras, these moments of camaraderie are crucial to Japan-U.S. relations. “These kids are going to be the future leaders for their countries one day,’ said Staff Sgt. Benjamin A. Bockoras. “So the fact that we’re able to foster these partnerships at an early age enhances an already fruitful partnership.” Bockoras is a radio chief with Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force and a Port Alleghany, Pennsylvania, native. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul / Released)

The islands of Okinawa have some of the most beautiful beaches, diving or snorkeling spots, and waters in the world. Service members and their families need to recognize how to enjoy these wonders safely and responsibly, however, as drowning is one of the most prominent causes of death of Status of Forces Agreement personnel on Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo Illustration by Cpl. Brittany A. James/ Released)

Seaman Davis James prepares to collect a donor’s blood during the Pacific Command Armed Services Blood Bank Center library blood drive Nov. 3 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The library drive is a periodic event hosted by the ASBBC to maintain the blood supply for medical facilities across Okinawa and support operations in the outer-lying areas. Although the blood bank center is located on Camp Foster, the single facility supports operations across the entire Asia-Pacific region with donations from Status of Forces Agreement personnel. James is a hospital corpsman with the ASBBC, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa and is a Goldsboro, North Carolina, native. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon / Released)

An actor offers a chilling welcome to guests entering the Okinawa Haunted Labyrinth Oct. 29 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The event strengthened the relationship between Okinawa residents and Status of Forces Agreement personnel with pumpkin-painting, food, and a frightful haunted house experience. Over the period of approximately four weeks, volunteers designed, built and decorated the labyrinth before manning it while garbed in costumes. The event is the largest of the SMP projects across Okinawa military installations and has been hosted since 2012.

Guests decorate a pumpkin outside the Okinawa Haunted Labyrinth Oct. 29 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The labyrinth is one of the many open-gate events hosted by the Okinawa Single Marine Program that strengthens the relationship between Okinawa residents and Status of Forces Agreement members. Families enjoyed candy, pumpkin painting, and navigating the dark twists and turns of the labyrinth.

Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, center, greets Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey A. Young, right, and Col. William DePue, left, Oct. 28 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The community center was one stop along a tour of the military installations across Okinawa during which Kennedy addressed senior military leadership and their families living on Okinawa directly. “I am always inspired by the patriotism I see here when I visit,” said Kennedy. “I want to thank everyone here for everything that you do for this outstanding partnership with Japan. There is a lot to learn here and all you leaders are doing a great job maintaining positive community involvement. I encourage you to continue to educate service members to ensure that we continue to enjoy the support and alliance we have here in Japan.” After her speech, Kennedy posed for photos with attendees and their families. Young is the sergeant major of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. DePue is the camp commander of Camp Foster and the commanding officer of H&S; Bn., MCIPAC.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, left, greets Status of Forces Agreement members before posing for pictures Oct. 28 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The photo session followed an address by Kennedy that detailed the contributions of service members and families to the Japan-U.S. alliance across Okinawa. “I am always inspired by the patriotism I see here when I visit,” said Kennedy. “My father served here during World War II and it is an honor to serve here as his daughter and work with the government of Japan.”

Retired U.S. Marine Corps military working dog Patti attends an award ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 24, 2016. Patti received an award from the U.S. War Dogs Association for her service in 2007 as a combat tracking dog and suffered injuries in the line of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa Pon)

The cosplayers pose for a photo Oct. 15, awaiting the announcement of the winner of the cosplay contest at Comic Con on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. More than 25 attendees participated in the cosplay contest dressed as characters from video games, comic books and movies. The contest featured participants dressed as characters from video games such as Kingdom Hearts, Fallout and Super Mario. There were also characters from movies and television shows such as Harry Potter and My Neighbor Totoro. Many of the participants’ costumes were made by hand. The free event was open for attendance to Status of Forces Agreement members and the local Okinawa community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James / Released)

Cpl. Jose Torrijos paints zombification makeup on an attendee October 15 during Comic Con on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Comic Con is an annual event that takes place for comic book connoisseurs, video gamers, movie fans and artists across the island to unite and bond with each other in their passions and interests. Torrijos, an Oakland, California native is a volunteer makeup artist for Comic Con, and supply admin clerk with Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James / Released)

Cosplayers wait to be evaluated October 15 during the cosplay contest at Comic Con on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Comic Con is an annual gathering of comic book connoisseurs, video gamers, movie fans and artists across the island that participated in featured events such as: Pokémon tournaments, video game showdowns, cosplay and art contests, panel discussion and meet and greets with guest artists and voice actors. More than 25 attendees participated in the contest dressed as characters from video games, comic books and movies. The free event was open for attendance to Status of Forces Agreement members and the local Okinawa community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James / Released)

Marine Maj. Gen. Joaquin F. Malavet, left, discusses Marine operations with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Tomofusa Hanada during the annual Guard and Protect, an observe and exchange event, Oct. 7 at the base emergency operations center aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The exchange strengthened the bilateral relationship and tactical skills of U.S. and JGSDF service members by allowing them to observe each other’s operational procedures. The service members participated in training events that covered troop movement, escalation of force, rules of engagement, and vehicle search and seizure. Malavet is the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Hanada is the commanding general of the JGSDF 15th Brigade.

Lance Cpl. Luis Rosas, left, and Cpl. Ian Burnham, center, are presented a letter of appreciation by Eikatsu Sakihara Aug. 23 at the Urasoe City Police Department in Urasoe City, Okinawa, Japan. Rosas and Burnham were awarded letters of appreciation for their life-saving efforts following a vehicle collision, and their courage combating a vehicle fire April 16. Rosas is a Wilmington, California, native, and an engineer equipment mechanic with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Burnham is a Spokane, Washington, native, and electrical engineer equipment systems technician with 3rd Maintenance Bn., CLR-35, 3rd MLG, III MEF. Sakihara is Chief of Police with the Urasoe City Police Department. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/ Released)

Lance Cpl. Damien R. Kirkland, right, trades places with 2nd Lt. Melissa D. Boughton during a Marine Corps Community Services Aquatics Distance Dare Relay Race Aug. 20 at the 50-meter pool aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The Distance Dare Relay Race is a team race hosted for Status of Forces Agreement personnel to boost morale and promote physical fitness during off-duty hours. During the race, teams of four swimmers took turns swimming 400 meters throughout the event. The race was one of the many fitness programs hosted by MCCS in the areas of aquatics, martial arts classes and teams sports. Boughton is an air support control officer with Marine Aviation Support Squadron 2, Marine Aircraft Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and a Pax River, Maryland, native. Kirkland is an aviation communications systems tehnician with MASS-2, MACG-18, 1st MAW, III MEF and a Vidor, Texas, native.

Kiyoko Somei, left center, and Pfc. James M. Phillips Jr., right center, provide discussion topics to participants in an English discussion class Aug. 9 at the United Services Organization center on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The weekly class provides an opportunity for Status of Forces Agreement personnel to build friendships with Okinawa residents studying English through guided discussions. During the class, Somei divided participants into groups of five, provided discussion topics and assisted students with difficult translations. Somei is the MCAS Futenma chaplain’s assistant. Phillips is a radar technician with Air Traffic Control Marine Aircraft Control Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force and a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, native.

Nobuhiro Hirahara, left, calls out boxing commands while instructing Pfc. Matthew D. Jordan during a customized martial arts lesson Aug. 4 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Hirahara teaches classes on Camp Foster and MCAS Futenma to encourage service members on Okinawa to engage in Japanese culture through martial arts. Hirahara is from Kobe-shi, Hyogo prefecture, Japan, and is a martial arts master with the International Martial Arts Budo Association. Jordan is an aviation administration clerk with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28, Marine Aircraft Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines place artillery rounds on the hillside of a range in preparation for standoff munitions training July 28 aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. The artillery rounds served as explosive targets for explosive ordnance disposal technicians and reconnaissance Marines who participated in the drill. The training ensured EOD technicians were proficient in the safe long-distance detonation of explosives, using the SASR-M107 sniper rifle. The EOD technicians are with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan and Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The reconnaissance Marines are with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.

Competitors in the Futenma Mess Hall Chef of the Month competition pose for photos with the senior enlisted judges after receiving awards for their performance July 22 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The monthly competition is an opportunity for the Marines who are performing well in the workplace and seeking opportunities to better themselves through merit boards and other events. During the competition, the contestants must plan a full multi-course meal, cook the dishes and serve it to a panel of judges who evaluate their meal based on taste, appearance, originality and the Marines’ oral presentations explaining each course.

Col. William L. DePue exchanges business cards with Masaharu Noguni, July 22 in Chatan, Okinawa, Japan. The exchange was part of a courtesy visit to Noguni, the mayor of Chatan town, which is adjacent to Camp Foster and Camp Lester. DePue is the commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Col. William L. DePue, bottom right, speaks with Masaharu Noguni, bottom left, July 22 in Chatan, Okinawa, Japan. The meeting was part of a courtesy visit to Noguni, the mayor of Chatan town, which is adjacent to Camp Foster and Camp Lester. DePue is the commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Okinawa elementary students explore an MV-22 Osprey July 18 during a tour of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The tour strengthened the bilateral relationship between Marines and Okinawa residents by allowing them to see what Marines do on a daily basis and their day-to-day responsibilities in the workplace. During the visit, guests enjoyed a meal at the Habu Pit, toured the mess hall and explored various static displays on the flight line.

Marines perform maintenance on an M777 Howitzer July 11 aboard Combined Arms Training Facility Camp Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan. The howitzer will be used in an upcoming field training exercise by 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment. CATC Camp Fuji allows artillery units to utilize the 21 artillery gun positions available on over 34,000 acres of field space. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, right, greets Marines attending the 2016 Okinawa Memorial services June 23 at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, Itoman, Okinawa, Japan. The ceremony brought Okinawa residents and Status of Forces Agreement members together to honor those whose lives were lost in the Battle of Okinawa. During the ceremony, distinguished guest speakers gave speeches to honor the fallen in the Battle of Okinawa and laid wreaths at the memorial walls, on which the names of the fallen were engraved. Attendees, in turn, took a moment of silence and paid tribute to the fallen heroes. Nicholson is the III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general and the Okinawa Area Coordinator.

U.S. Marines stand to honor the fallen during the 2016 Okinawa Memorial services June 23 at Peace Memorial Park, Itoman, Japan. The ceremony brought Okinawa residents and Status of Forces Agreement members together to honor those whose lives were lost in the Battle of Okinawa. During the ceremony, distinguished guest speakers gave speeches to honor the fallen in the Battle of Okinawa and laid wreaths at the memorial walls, on which the names of the fallen were engraved. Attendees, in turn, took a moment of silence and paid tribute to the fallen heroes.

Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy poses with Lt. Col James G. Sweeney, Mr. Taketsugu Miyasato, Mr. Yukio Miyagi, and Munekatsu Kayo June 22 aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. For the past 14 years, Marines aboard Camp Schwab have been teaching children and young adults basic grammar and commonly used words for communication. The English class is just one of over 500 community relations programs that Marines all over Okinawa participate in every year. From Camp Gonsalves in the North, to Camp Kinser in the South, Marines stationed in Okinawa are deeply invested in the surrounding communities that they call home. Sweeney is the executive officer for 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Miyasato, Miyagi and Kayo are the district mayors of Kushi, Toyohara. and Henoko, respectively.

Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and Lance Cpl. Keven Romero interact with students during a service member-taught English class June 22 aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. For the past 14 years, Marines aboard Camp Schwab have been teaching children and young adults basic grammar and commonly used words for communication. According to Romero, they not only learned from and taught their Okinawan neighbors, but they continue to build on a bond 71 years in the making. Romero is a warehouse clerk with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Col. Sean M. McBride, right, passes the III MEF Headquarters Group colors to Col. Brian M. Howlett, left, June 9 at Parade deck on Camp Hansen.

Col. George G. Malkasian, the camp commander of Camp Courtney and Camp McTureous, mourns this tragic incident deeply and gives a speech to the members of the Camp Courtney Chapel on June 5, 2016.

The members of Camp Courtney Chapel give a moment of silence for the tragic loss of a beautiful, young, Okinawan lady who was our neighbor, during the mourning service at the Camp Courtney Chapel on June 5, 2016.

Col. Christopher Snyder, MCIPAC Chief of Staff, Col. David Odom, the commanding officer of Camp Schwab, and Munakastu Kayo, the Henoko Mayor talk during the Camp Schwab's Commander Social May 14. Local community leaders were invited to discuss the good relationships between their communities and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Col. Sean M. McBride, the commanding officer of III Marine Headquarters Group thanks Hajime Nakama, the Kin town mayor, for a barbecue lunch and good relationships between the local community and service members in Kin town.