MCAS FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan— Lt. Col. Richard Ashford cuts the cake during the Cake Cutting Ceremony after the 242-mile Birthday Run on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The run was held to represent the 242 years that the Marine Corps has been in service. A sword is used to cut the cake as a reminder that Marines are a band of warriors, dedicated to carrying the sword so that our nation may live in peace and freedom. Ashford is the commanding officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

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