MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, japan -- U.S. Navy personnel with Carrier Air Wing 5 arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 4-5, 2017.

The squadrons arrived as part as the CVW-5 relocation from Naval Air Facility Atsugi to MCAS Iwakuni.

Approximately 700 service members were greeted by their family and friends as they exited the aircraft, while the USO Iwakuni provided them with food and a giftcard.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Reust, the safety officer and EA-18G Growler pilot with Electronic 141, said it’s important to make the sailors feel welcome since the station will be their new home.

The relocation of the squadrons strengthens the alliance between Japan and the U.S. by fulfilling the final Defense Policy Review Initiative objective.

“This base gives us increased capability and interoperability between us and the Marine Corps,” said Reust. “It allows us to do whatever we’re called upon and asked of from our country.”