A change of command and re-designation of VMFA(AW)-242 took place at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan on Oct. 16. With the re-designation as VMFA-242, the Marine Aircraft Group 12 will now have a second F-35B squadron at the base.
U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 242 present colors during the change of command and re-designation of VMFA(AW)-242 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 16, 2020. U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Kelemen, outgoing commanding officer of VMFA(AW)-242, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Michael Wyrsch during the re-designation and change of command of VMFA(AW)-242 to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242. VMFA-242’s transition to the F-35B Lightning II brings advanced avionics capabilities to joint, allied, and partner forces in support of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Harmon)
