The year of 2017 proved to be a year of infrastructure and population growth for MCAS Iwakuni! Living here means familiarity with ongoing construction projects: a necessary but temporary inconvenience to the amazing new facilities enhancing our community. In 2017, MCCS welcomed the IronWorks North Gym, the Knockdown Burger at the Strike Zone Bowling Center, new facilities for Car Rental, Marine Lounge, Skate Park, Kennel, Starbucks at the Torii Pines Café, the Northside Gas Station, and the Kizuna Stadium at Atago.
The growth doesn’t stop there! There is plenty to look forward to in 2018 including Atago facilities such as a new IronWorks Gym, Marine Mart, and sports field, Chili’s, the Hanger E-Club with a Burger King and Taco Bell, and a new MCX.
They say you can never be bored while stationed in Iwakuni, and with the constant growth and hundreds of events happening year round, there’s certainly never a dull moment for MCCS Iwakuni! We hope you feel the same as you reflect back on the year of 2017 with us.
January
Health & Wellness Expo - Semper Fit brought physical fitness and nutrition to you with fitness demonstrations, health information, and giveaways.
February
Rice pounding event - Cultural Adaptation - Base personnel and local residents got together to experience traditional mochitsuki, rice pounding, to make delicious mochi, Japanese rice cakes!
March
Child Abuse Prevention Month - Pinwheel planting - The Family Advocacy Program and a troop of volunteers planted blue pinwheels at the Cherry Blossom Triangle to kick-off Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Introduction of the Knockdown Burger - The Strike Zone Bowling Center gave away 1,000 free burgers to celebrate the new Knockdown Burger at the Knockdown Zone.
April
50th MCAS Iwakuni Marathon - A total of 503 runners participated in this year's annual marathon.
Volunteer Appreciation Day - Volunteers help this base function at it’s best! Hundreds of volunteers were recognized at this appreciation ceremony.
May
Friendship Day - MCAS Iwakuni opened it's gates to welcome 210,000 guests!
June
Library’s Summer Reading Program: Reading by Design - Kick-Off Party - Readers of all ages read their way to prizes and fun events during the month of June and August.
July
Shaggy Concert - Hundreds of fans gathered this year at the Sakura Theater to jam out to Mr. Bombastic himself, courtesy of Armed Forces Entertainment and MCCS.
Marine Lounge Grand Opening - The revamped Marine Lounge now offers a modern facility with a theater room, ping pong and pool tables, comfy couches, and more for single and unaccompanied servicemembers!
August
Ice Cream Social: Fire Safety Event - Families and kids enjoyed ice cream from EFMP while learning about important fire safety tips.
September
Operation Adrenaline Rush - Osorakan Zipline Trip - Servicemembers enjoyed a day of ziplining and pizza-making on one of the last trips of Operation Adrenaline Rush with Outdoor Recreation.
Iwakuni Info Expo - Base personnel learned all about the resources on and off base while entering in a chance to win some of the best giveaways of the year.
October
Mini Marine Corps and Navy Ball - “Best night of our life! We loved everything about it. We felt like princesses” - Madelyn & Sophia Congdon
“My sister and I dressed up and spent the evening with our friends.We loved every minute!” - Annabelle & Charlotte Wonder
First Run Movie Premiere - MCCS Iwakuni welcomed the long-awaited first-run movie program with Blade Runner 2049. See movies the same time as back home every Friday!
November
Marine Corps Ball - Base residents honored Marine past, present, and future with the 242nd birthday of the Marine Corps.