Maj. Gen. Thomas D. Weidley, the commanding general

Maj. Gen. Thomas D. Weidley, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, bids farewell to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 as they complete their tour in Okinawa during the Unit Deployment Program on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 7, 2018. HMLA-469 has participated in multiple exercises and events during their deployment in the western pacific. The UDP has been an effective way to expose U.S. based Marine units to various training environments and maintain military partnerships throughout the region. The Marine Corps, as America’s expeditionary force in readiness, constantly seeks opportunities to train and partner with allies and friends in the Pacific theatre. The Marine presence in Japan contributes to the security of Japan in accordance with the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Persinger)