From left to right, Toshihisa Takata, Atsushi Sakima,

From left to right, Toshihisa Takata, Atsushi Sakima, Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy, Vice Gov. Kurayoshi Takara, Hirofumi Takida and Lt. Col. Matthew W. Stover shake hands July 15 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma during the squadron’s take off ceremony. The ceremony commemorates the beginning of VMGR-152’s transfer to MCAS Iwakuni. Takata is the ambassador in charge of Okinawan Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Sakima is the mayor of Ginowan City. Kennedy is the deputy commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force and commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Takara is the vice governor of Okinawa prefecture. Takida is the Director General of the Okinawa Defense Bureau. Stover is the commanding officer of VMGR-152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/Released)