Japan-Based Marines Conduct Nighttime Aerial Refueling Training

Marines based here conducted a nighttime aerial refueling exercise Oct. 25-26 to improve operational readiness and enhance pilot proficiency. An F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, conducts a nighttime aerial refueling training operation with a KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Oct. 25, 2017.

F-35B stealth fighters head to Japan for first overseas mission

A squadron of F-35B Lightning II fighters is headed for Japan to begin the jet's first overseas mission in the Pacific. The stealth aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 departed Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Monday bound for Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, a Marines Corps statement said Tuesday.

Search Underway for Marine Pilot Who Ejected Near Japanese Coast

The pilot ejected at about 4:40 a.m. ET, 120 miles southeast of Iwakuni, Japan, according to a news release from Marine Corps Base Camp Butler in Okinawa. The F/A-18 was assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa and was conducting "regularly scheduled training at the time of the mishap," Marine Corps Base Camp Butler said.