Lt. Col. Nicholas D. Waldron, the commanding officer

Lt. Col. Nicholas D. Waldron, the commanding officer of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, and Sgt. Maj. Jeffery D. Durham, the sergeant major of MWHS-1, present a plaque to the Japan Coast Guard on Okinawa, Japan, July 10, 2019. Four Marines were swept away from shore by a strong ocean current while swimming at Mermaids Grotto, a popular Okinawan swimming spot. The Japan Coast Guard was notified of the incident and responded immediately. Three of the Marines were able to swim back to shore, while one was rescued by the Japan Coast Guard. The Marines belonged to MWHS-1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Waldron and Durham visited and presented a plaque to the Japan Coast Guard as a token of their appreciation for their swift and valiant response, resulting in saving a Marine's life. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Persinger)