Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
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United States Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is located at the Nishiki river delta in the city of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture in the Chugoku region of the island of Honshu, Japan. The Americans first occupied the base in 1950 to use it as a springboard for the Korean War. It is currently home to around 5,000 US 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 US servicemembers officially celebrate their long-standing friendship. Unofficially the American base continues to function as an important boost for Iwakuni's economy and a focal point for thriving personal relations between servicemembers and civilians.ja:岩国基地