From left to right, Rhonda Kirk, program assistant with the Youth and Teen Center, Anna Kirk, and Kris Kirk, Mathew C. Perry Elementary School students, and Gunnery Sgt. Isaiah Kirk, cyber network chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni observe a Koi pond at the Hiroshima Botanical Garden in Hiroshima City, Japan, Dec. 23, 2015. The visit afforded residents the opportunity to explore various exhibits and view the festive displays at the garden. - From left to right, Rhonda Kirk, program assistant with the Youth and Teen Center, Anna Kirk, and Kris Kirk, Mathew C. Perry Elementary School students, and Gunnery Sgt. Isaiah Kirk, cyber network chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni observe a Koi pond at the Hiroshima Botanical Garden in Hiroshima City, Japan, Dec. 23, 2015. The visit afforded residents the opportunity to explore various exhibits and view the festive displays at the garden.

Volunteers from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, sing Christmas carols to residents at the Vita Nursing Home in Iwakuni, Dec. 16, 2015. The chapel coordinated this community event as an opportunity to experience Japanese culture, give back to the local community and strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Japan. - Volunteers from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, sing Christmas carols to residents at the Vita Nursing Home in Iwakuni, Dec. 16, 2015. The chapel coordinated this community event as an opportunity to experience Japanese culture, give back to the local community and strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Japan.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 opened a hush house at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to local press from the Yamaguchi area as an opportunity to show what the station is doing to mitigate noise in the local area, Dec. 14, 2015. These facilities are used to reduce noise in the local area when testing aircraft engines. Building and using facilities like these help strengthen the bond between the air station and the local community by showing that the station listens to the needs of the community and are doing their best to accommodate local citizens. - Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 opened a hush house at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to local press from the Yamaguchi area as an opportunity to show what the station is doing to mitigate noise in the local area, Dec. 14, 2015. These facilities are used to reduce noise in the local area when testing aircraft engines. Building and using facilities like these help strengthen the bond between the air station and the local community by showing that the station listens to the needs of the community and are doing their best to accommodate local citizens.

A Japanese staff member at Cultural Day in Tsuzu, Japan, demonstrates how to knead mochi after it is pounded, Dec. 12, 2015. This cultural exchange provides both the American and Japanese communities an opportunity to interact, learn about each other’s culture, and make new friends through games, food, and arts and crafts. - A Japanese staff member at Cultural Day in Tsuzu, Japan, demonstrates how to knead mochi after it is pounded, Dec. 12, 2015. This cultural exchange provides both the American and Japanese communities an opportunity to interact, learn about each other’s culture, and make new friends through games, food, and arts and crafts.

Sgt. Susana Ramirez, a food service specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, and her daughter Aaliyah, collect debris at Katazoe Beach on Oshima Island, Japan, during the Oshima Beach Cleanup Dec. 12, 2015. Approximately 90 volunteers helped with the cleanup organized by Marine Aircraft Group 12 Chaplain’s office and the Single Marine Program at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. - Sgt. Susana Ramirez, a food service specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, and her daughter Aaliyah, collect debris at Katazoe Beach on Oshima Island, Japan, during the Oshima Beach Cleanup Dec. 12, 2015. Approximately 90 volunteers helped with the cleanup organized by Marine Aircraft Group 12 Chaplain’s office and the Single Marine Program at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.

Matthew C. Perry School students and Japanese students pose for a photo at the annual holiday concert at Marine Memorial Chapel at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 8, 2015. The American and Japanese students prepared and sang a number of holiday songs in both Japanese and English. - Matthew C. Perry School students and Japanese students pose for a photo at the annual holiday concert at Marine Memorial Chapel at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 8, 2015. The American and Japanese students prepared and sang a number of holiday songs in both Japanese and English.