MCAS FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan— Nozomu Miyagi, left, and Lance Cpl. Malik Miller pose with their drawing after a game of Pictionary in the Single Marine Program building Dec. 17 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. - MCAS FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan— Nozomu Miyagi, left, and Lance Cpl. Malik Miller pose with their drawing after a game of Pictionary in the Single Marine Program building Dec. 17 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. This was the first time Kokusai University students participated in an event on base. The players used English and Japanese words, relying on a partner to help them with the words. These events create a fun, relaxed environment, enabling participants to reach out and create new friendships. Miyagi is a student at Kokusai University. Miller is a tactical air defense controller with Marine Air Control Squadron 4, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danielle R. Prentice)

MCAS FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan— Members of the English Discussion class pose for a photo after the 6th Marine Corps Air Station Futenma English Discussion class party Aug. 15 at the United Service Organization building on MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. - MCAS FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan— Members of the English Discussion class pose for a photo after the 6th Marine Corps Air Station Futenma English Discussion class party Aug. 15 at the United Service Organization building on MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The class is held Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the USO on MCAS Futenma. The English Discussion class provides a way for service members and local residents to build lasting friendships that go beyond the class.

Due to the current condition and age of military housing in Okinawa, a housing renovation program is in the works that will ultimately result in higher-quality military housing across the island. - Due to the current condition and age of military housing in Okinawa, a housing renovation program is in the works that will ultimately result in higher-quality military housing across the island.

The cosplayers pose for a photo Oct. 15, awaiting the announcement of the winner of the cosplay contest at Comic Con on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. More than 25 attendees participated in the cosplay contest dressed as characters from video games, comic books and movies. The contest featured participants dressed as characters from video games such as Kingdom Hearts, Fallout and Super Mario. There were also characters from movies and television shows such as Harry Potter and My Neighbor Totoro. Many of the participants’ costumes were made by hand. The free event was open for attendance to Status of Forces Agreement members and the local Okinawa community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James / Released) - The cosplayers pose for a photo Oct. 15, awaiting the announcement of the winner of the cosplay contest at Comic Con on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. More than 25 attendees participated in the cosplay contest dressed as characters from video games, comic books and movies. The contest featured participants dressed as characters from video games such as Kingdom Hearts, Fallout and Super Mario. There were also characters from movies and television shows such as Harry Potter and My Neighbor Totoro. Many of the participants’ costumes were made by hand. The free event was open for attendance to Status of Forces Agreement members and the local Okinawa community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James / Released)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Imato translates JGSDF rules of engagement to U.S. Marines during the annual Guard and Protect, an observe and exchange event Oct. 6 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The three-day event sharpened U.S. and JGSDF service members’ abilities to defense installations through the observation and exchange of tactical procedures and operational concepts. The training included patrolling, rules of engagement and vehicle search and seizure procedures. - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Imato translates JGSDF rules of engagement to U.S. Marines during the annual Guard and Protect, an observe and exchange event Oct. 6 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The three-day event sharpened U.S. and JGSDF service members’ abilities to defense installations through the observation and exchange of tactical procedures and operational concepts. The training included patrolling, rules of engagement and vehicle search and seizure procedures.

Informational pamphlets about breast cancer rest on a table during the Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness 5-kilometer Run Oct. 1 aboard Camp Lester, Okinawa, Japan. The event provided an opportunity for Status of Forces Agreement members to show solidarity and support for survivors and breast cancer and their families. During the event, Marine Corps Community Services Health Promotion staff provided information on available support groups and services form breast cancer survivors and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon / Released) - Informational pamphlets about breast cancer rest on a table during the Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness 5-kilometer Run Oct. 1 aboard Camp Lester, Okinawa, Japan. The event provided an opportunity for Status of Forces Agreement members to show solidarity and support for survivors and breast cancer and their families. During the event, Marine Corps Community Services Health Promotion staff provided information on available support groups and services form breast cancer survivors and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon / Released)

Instructors from the Yayoi Kimono Shop and Cultural School pose for photos with Status of Forces Agreement personnel who participated in a Japanese Tea Ceremony Class Sept. 17, 2016, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The class provided SOFA personnel with the opportunity to experience Japanese traditions firsthand. The students learned how to politely partake of tea and refreshments and how to prepare and serve the matcha, which is a powdered green tea commonly served at tea ceremonies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon) - Instructors from the Yayoi Kimono Shop and Cultural School pose for photos with Status of Forces Agreement personnel who participated in a Japanese Tea Ceremony Class Sept. 17, 2016, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The class provided SOFA personnel with the opportunity to experience Japanese traditions firsthand. The students learned how to politely partake of tea and refreshments and how to prepare and serve the matcha, which is a powdered green tea commonly served at tea ceremonies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon)

An explosive ordnance disposal truck stands on a range during standoff munitions disruption training July 28 aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. The training ensured explosive ordnance disposal technicians were proficient in the safe long-distance detonation of explosives, using the SASR-M107 sniper rifle. During the training, the EOD technicians were coached in marksmanship by reconnaissance Marines. The EOD technicians are with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan and Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The reconnaissance Marines are with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. - An explosive ordnance disposal truck stands on a range during standoff munitions disruption training July 28 aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. The training ensured explosive ordnance disposal technicians were proficient in the safe long-distance detonation of explosives, using the SASR-M107 sniper rifle. During the training, the EOD technicians were coached in marksmanship by reconnaissance Marines. The EOD technicians are with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan and Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The reconnaissance Marines are with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.

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.

U.S. Marines stand to honor the fallen during the 2016 Okinawa Memorial services June 23 at Peace Memorial Park, Itoman, Japan. The ceremony brought Okinawa residents and Status of Forces Agreement members together to honor those whose lives were lost in the Battle of Okinawa. During the ceremony, distinguished guest speakers gave speeches to honor the fallen in the Battle of Okinawa and laid wreaths at the memorial walls, on which the names of the fallen were engraved. Attendees, in turn, took a moment of silence and paid tribute to the fallen heroes. - U.S. Marines stand to honor the fallen during the 2016 Okinawa Memorial services June 23 at Peace Memorial Park, Itoman, Japan. The ceremony brought Okinawa residents and Status of Forces Agreement members together to honor those whose lives were lost in the Battle of Okinawa. During the ceremony, distinguished guest speakers gave speeches to honor the fallen in the Battle of Okinawa and laid wreaths at the memorial walls, on which the names of the fallen were engraved. Attendees, in turn, took a moment of silence and paid tribute to the fallen heroes.