Col. John Reed (left), Assistant Chief of Staff, Marine Corps Installation Command and Japan Engineer District Commander COL John Hurley (right) discuss the importance of the new facility. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at MCAS Iwakuni on March 2...

Distinguished visitors and station residents participated in the Marine Aircraft Group 12, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 ribbon cutting ceremony for the new MAG/MALS-12 compound aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 27, 2014. The ceremony was held to recognize the formal opening of the new compound, which includes new buildings, hangars and canopies to increase the operational readiness of Marines stationed at Iwakuni and those who visit on the Unit Deployment Program. The new compound was constructed on the north side of the base to place it further away from the local Iwaknui area, helping to reduce noise produced into the community.