Breitling Wingwalkers to perform at Friendship Day 2015

Photo By Cpl. Luis Ramirez | Two Boeing Stearman aircraft with the Breitling Wingwalkers sit at the flightline aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 1, 2015. The Breitling Wingwalkers are slated to perform during the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2015 Air Show, May 3, 2015. This year the event expanded to combine both the JMSDF’s Fleet Air Wing 31’s annual Open House and the traditional MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, resulting in the first-ever joint Friendship Day air show. The event allows visitors a chance to see the military installation and interact with Japanese and American service members while enjoying aerial performances and static displays.  

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

05.01.2015

Story by Cpl. Luis Ramirez 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - Breitling Wingwalkers, the world’s only aerobatic formation display wingwalking team, based out of the United Kingdom, arrived aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to take part in Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2015 Air Show, May 3, 2015.

This year the event expanded to combine both the JMSDF’s Fleet Air Wing 31’s annual Open House and the traditional MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, resulting in the first-ever joint Friendship Day air show. The event allows visitors a chance to see the military installation and interact with Japanese and American service members while enjoying aerial performances and static displays.

As part of this year’s event, the Breitling team is slated to astonish attendees with their aerial acrobatic performances utilizing their iconic Boeing Stearman aircraft.

With 33 years of acrobatic performances in more than 24 countries, FD15 will be the Breitling teams first time preforming in Japan.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the team,” said Martyn Carrington, the chief pilot for the Breitling Wingwalkers. “Not only is it the first time we have ever performed in Japan, but we also have the honor of being able to do so during Friendship Day.”

Carrington said that he is looking forward to the upcoming event and the large amount of attendees he has the privilege of entertaining during his time aboard station.

During their time here, the Breitling team along with the air station hosted local Japanese media members, allowing them the opportunity to take on the role as one of the wingwalkers and take to the sky during a shot flight.

According to Yuri Iwasaki, a reporter with Japan’s Kyodo News, who accepted the invitation to fly with the wingwalkers, the opportunity to meet the team and go on a short flight with them was a one of a kind experience, stating that she can’t wait to see the professionals at work during FD15.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be able to have members of the Japanese media come out to interact with us,” said Freya Paterson, a Breitling wingwalker. “I honestly can’t say who was more excited to be out there, us or them. It’s always an amazing opportunity when we are able to travel somewhere new and we’re greeted with such remarkable hospitality, not just from the Marines on station, but the local media. It makes us look forward to the event more and more.”

The Breitling team said that they are very grateful to be able to play a small part in an event that helps strengthen the bonds between the United Sates Armed Forces and their host country of Japan.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2015
• Date Posted: 05.02.2015 07:52
• Story ID: 162035
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP