Date Published: July 12, 2006   

Beaufort Marines set to depart for Japan

The Associated Press

About 150 Marines are set to depart Thursday for a six-month deployment to Japan, a Marine spokesman said Wednesday.

Members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, known as the Silver Eagles, will be based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni for about six months.

A dozen F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from the squadron have already departed, said Marine Corps spokesman Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge.

During the deployment, the squadron will participate in training exercises with the U.S. Air Force, Japan's Self Defense Forces and members of the Thailand Air Force.

The squadron also will conduct air-to-ground training missions in Japan and South Korea, the statement said.