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Marines

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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.

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.

Photo by Cpl. Janessa Pon

Contestants in the Futenma Mess Hall Chef of the Month competition receive critiques 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.

Contestants in the Futenma Mess Hall Chef of the Month competition receive critiques 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.

Photo by Cpl. Janessa Pon

Marines begin the installation of newly received auxiliary fuel tanks for the UH-1Y Venom at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 14, 2016. “We have never installed these in the fleet, which the Marines here with the engineers are accomplishing today,” said Maj. Carl A. Bailey, the executive officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing through the Unit Deployment Program. “These are going to extend our range, our time on station and enable us to self-deploy throughout the Pacific area of operations. Our goal is to self-deploy to the Philippines, and if we can do that, we will not need C-17s, C-5s or any other aircraft. We won’t have to break down our own aircraft, we will just strap on the tanks and go.” The Marines are with HMLA 469. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere)

Marines begin the installation of newly received auxiliary fuel tanks for the UH-1Y Venom at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 14, 2016. “We have never installed these in the fleet, which the Marines here with the engineers are accomplishing today,” said Maj. Carl A. Bailey, the executive officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing through the Unit Deployment Program. “These are going to extend our range, our time on station and enable us to self-deploy throughout the Pacific area of operations. Our goal is to self-deploy to the Philippines, and if we can do that, we will not need C-17s, C-5s or any other aircraft. We won’t have to break down our own aircraft, we will just strap on the tanks and go.” The Marines are with HMLA 469. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Auxiliary fuel tanks for the UH-1Y Venom are installed onto the aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 14, 2016. This is the first time in the Fleet Marine Force that the tanks will be installed and used. “For humanitarian missions, we can provide assistance more quickly and farther out,” said Maj. Carl A. Bailey, the executive officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing through the Unit Deployment Program. “The distances here are extreme, and there is a lot of water and not a lot of gas stations, so being able to strap on these aux-tanks, pick up and go, is going to be a game changer for us.” The Marines are with HMLA 469. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere)

Auxiliary fuel tanks for the UH-1Y Venom are installed onto the aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 14, 2016. This is the first time in the Fleet Marine Force that the tanks will be installed and used. “For humanitarian missions, we can provide assistance more quickly and farther out,” said Maj. Carl A. Bailey, the executive officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing through the Unit Deployment Program. “The distances here are extreme, and there is a lot of water and not a lot of gas stations, so being able to strap on these aux-tanks, pick up and go, is going to be a game changer for us.” The Marines are with HMLA 469. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Army Sgt. Lauryn Lopez performs a squat while participating in the “Murph” Challenge for Memorial Day on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The “Murph” Challenge is a workout made to honor Lt. Michael “Murph” Murphy, a navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan June 28, 2005, at the age of 29. The challenge consists of a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run, while wearing a 20 pound vest. Lopez is a military police officer with 247th Military Police Detachment, Okinawa, Japan. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons/Released)

Army Sgt. Lauryn Lopez performs a squat while participating in the “Murph” Challenge for Memorial Day on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The “Murph” Challenge is a workout made to honor Lt. Michael “Murph” Murphy, a navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan June 28, 2005, at the age of 29. The challenge consists of a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run, while wearing a 20 pound vest. Lopez is a military police officer with 247th Military Police Detachment, Okinawa, Japan. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons

Felix Seraphin performs a pushup while participating in the “Murph” Challenge for Memorial Day on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The “Murph” Challenge is a workout made to honor Lt. Michael “Murph” Murphy, a navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan June 28, 2005, at the age of 29. The challenge consists of a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run, while wearing a 20 pound vest. Seraphin is a community service coordinator for Marine Corps Community Services, Okinawa, Japan. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons/Released)

Felix Seraphin performs a pushup while participating in the “Murph” Challenge for Memorial Day on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The “Murph” Challenge is a workout made to honor Lt. Michael “Murph” Murphy, a navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan June 28, 2005, at the age of 29. The challenge consists of a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run, while wearing a 20 pound vest. Seraphin is a community service coordinator for Marine Corps Community Services, Okinawa, Japan. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons

Lance Cpl. Samuel St. Clair, left, and Sgt. Geirrell Grayer perform pullups while participating in the “Murph” Challenge for Memorial Day on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The “Murph” Challenge is a workout made to honor Lt. Michael “Murph” Murphy, a navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan June 28, 2005, at the age of 29. The challenge consists of a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run, while wearing a 20 pound vest. St. Clair is a financial management resource analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Grayer is a distribution management specialist with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons/Released)

Lance Cpl. Samuel St. Clair, left, and Sgt. Geirrell Grayer perform pullups while participating in the “Murph” Challenge for Memorial Day on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The “Murph” Challenge is a workout made to honor Lt. Michael “Murph” Murphy, a navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan June 28, 2005, at the age of 29. The challenge consists of a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run, while wearing a 20 pound vest. St. Clair is a financial management resource analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Grayer is a distribution management specialist with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Douglas Simons

Marines conduct a helicopter support team exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2016. The Marines are landing support specialists, commonly referred to as red patchers, with Landing Support Detachment, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines conduct a helicopter support team exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2016. The Marines are landing support specialists, commonly referred to as red patchers, with Landing Support Detachment, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Nelson Duenas

Marines conduct a helicopter support team exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2016. The Marines are landing support specialists, commonly referred to as red patchers, with Landing Support Detachment, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines conduct a helicopter support team exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2016. The Marines are landing support specialists, commonly referred to as red patchers, with Landing Support Detachment, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Nelson Duenas

In this photo, Sgt. Jeffrey L. Allen scopes out the terrain from his seat in a UH-1Y Huey, April 8, 2016, at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Allen, along with other crew chiefs and aircraft maintainers, may work up to 16 hours a day performing maintenance and checks on aircraft to ensure safe missions. Allen, from Ennis, Texas, is with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

In this photo, Sgt. Jeffrey L. Allen scopes out the terrain from his seat in a UH-1Y Huey, April 8, 2016, at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Allen, along with other crew chiefs and aircraft maintainers, may work up to 16 hours a day performing maintenance and checks on aircraft to ensure safe missions. Allen, from Ennis, Texas, is with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

Aircraft maintenance Marines perform daily maintenance on a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016. The maintainers work in shifts so that each squadron maintains a 24-hour presence at its hangar. The Marines are with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Aircraft maintenance Marines perform daily maintenance on a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016. The maintainers work in shifts so that each squadron maintains a 24-hour presence at its hangar. The Marines are with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, right, accepts a momento from U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jorge M. Guinta, left, at the professional military exchange program farewell luncheon February 25 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Nishida. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. Nishida is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. Guinta is the flight planning chief and staff non-commissioned officer in charge of base operations, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan, and Cranston, RI. native. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, right, accepts a momento from U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jorge M. Guinta, left, at the professional military exchange program farewell luncheon February 25 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Nishida. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. Nishida is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. Guinta is the flight planning chief and staff non-commissioned officer in charge of base operations, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan, and Cranston, RI. native. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida speaks on an enhanced terminal voice switch while participating in the professional military exchange program February 23 in the base operations building on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The ETVS expedites calling and communication between air traffic control facilities. The professional military exchange program provided Nishida from the JASDF an opportunity to work with the Marine Corps to learn their job skills, culture and day-to-day life as a member of the U.S. armed services. Nishida is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida speaks on an enhanced terminal voice switch while participating in the professional military exchange program February 23 in the base operations building on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The ETVS expedites calling and communication between air traffic control facilities. The professional military exchange program provided Nishida from the JASDF an opportunity to work with the Marine Corps to learn their job skills, culture and day-to-day life as a member of the U.S. armed services. Nishida is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James

Members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force pose with U.S. Marines for a photo at a farewell luncheon for the professional military exchange program February 23 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, second from left. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. After Nishida’s exposure to the Marine Corps, the JASDF will return the favor by taking in a Marine in March to experience day-to-day routines of the JASDF. Nishida was a participant of the program and is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force pose with U.S. Marines for a photo at a farewell luncheon for the professional military exchange program February 23 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, second from left. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. After Nishida’s exposure to the Marine Corps, the JASDF will return the favor by taking in a Marine in March to experience day-to-day routines of the JASDF. Nishida was a participant of the program and is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James

Members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force pose with U.S. Marines for a photo at a farewell luncheon for the professional military exchange program February 23 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, second from left. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. After Nishida’s exposure to the Marine Corps, the JASDF will return the favor by taking in a Marine in March to experience day-to-day routines of the JASDF. Nishida was a participant of the program and is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF.

Members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force pose with U.S. Marines for a photo at a farewell luncheon for the professional military exchange program February 23 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, second from left. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. After Nishida’s exposure to the Marine Corps, the JASDF will return the favor by taking in a Marine in March to experience day-to-day routines of the JASDF. Nishida was a participant of the program and is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF.

Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James

Col. Peter Lee, second from left, escorts members of the Liberal Democratic Party Youth Bureau of Gunma Prefecture to the flight line Jan. 25 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. During the visit, Lee explained the logistics and capabilities of the MCAS Futenma followed by a tour of the flight line. The members had the opportunity to witness an MV-22B Osprey landing on the flight line, and step off their tour bus to take photos. Lee is the commanding officer of MCAS Futenma.

Col. Peter Lee, second from left, escorts members of the Liberal Democratic Party Youth Bureau of Gunma Prefecture to the flight line Jan. 25 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. During the visit, Lee explained the logistics and capabilities of the MCAS Futenma followed by a tour of the flight line. The members had the opportunity to witness an MV-22B Osprey landing on the flight line, and step off their tour bus to take photos. Lee is the commanding officer of MCAS Futenma.

Photo by Cpl. Brittney James

Status of Forces Agreement personnel participate in a basketball game Jan. 1 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Participants received gift cards for competing at the end of the night. The game was hosted by MCAS Futenma’s Single Marine Program and Navy Lt. Yonina E. Creditor, the station chaplain for MCAS Futenma. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Status of Forces Agreement personnel participate in a basketball game Jan. 1 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Participants received gift cards for competing at the end of the night. The game was hosted by MCAS Futenma’s Single Marine Program and Navy Lt. Yonina E. Creditor, the station chaplain for MCAS Futenma. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas Simons

Volunteers grill hotdogs during a basketball game Jan. 1 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The volunteers were part of on-base organizations such as the USO. The game was hosted by MCAS Futenma’s Single Marine Program and Navy Lt. Yonina E. Creditor, the station chaplain for MCAS Futenma. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Volunteers grill hotdogs during a basketball game Jan. 1 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The volunteers were part of on-base organizations such as the USO. The game was hosted by MCAS Futenma’s Single Marine Program and Navy Lt. Yonina E. Creditor, the station chaplain for MCAS Futenma. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas Simons

Status of Forces Agreement personnel participate in a basketball game Jan. 1 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The basketball game provided a safe alternative to drinking on New Year’s. Approximately 30 people participated in the game, which was hosted by Futenma’s Single Marine Program and Navy Lt. Yonina E. Creditor, the station chaplain for MCAS Futenma. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Status of Forces Agreement personnel participate in a basketball game Jan. 1 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The basketball game provided a safe alternative to drinking on New Year’s. Approximately 30 people participated in the game, which was hosted by Futenma’s Single Marine Program and Navy Lt. Yonina E. Creditor, the station chaplain for MCAS Futenma. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Douglas Simons

Col. Peter Lee and Ginowan Mayor Atsuchi Sakima pose for a photog Dec. 22 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Lee and Sakima signed an extension on the Ginowan emergency vehicle and personnel access agreement. In order to save time and lives, the agreement gives Okinawan emergency vehicles and personnel base access in case of an emergency. According to Lee, commanding officer of MCAS Futenma, the agreement is just a small part of the overall partnership between the Ginowan community and the Marine Corps.

Col. Peter Lee and Ginowan Mayor Atsuchi Sakima pose for a photog Dec. 22 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Lee and Sakima signed an extension on the Ginowan emergency vehicle and personnel access agreement. In order to save time and lives, the agreement gives Okinawan emergency vehicles and personnel base access in case of an emergency. According to Lee, commanding officer of MCAS Futenma, the agreement is just a small part of the overall partnership between the Ginowan community and the Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma