The Department of the Navy has named the Navy Federal branch located at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan as its "Credit Union of the Year" for 2023. This marks the 18th consecutive year and the 21st time overall that a Navy Federal branch has been recognized by the Department of the Navy for its service to a base community.

The Iwakuni Branch is situated on mainland Japan's only Marine Corps installation, which hosts over 10,000 American citizens. Maria White-Marchus, assistant vice president of branch operations, stated, "As the largest credit union in the world, serving US citizens aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, it’s our duty to serve the military community while they are serving our country, just as we serve stateside."

Colonel Richard M. Rusnok, Jr., Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, submitted the award nomination. He praised the branch for its ability to provide "world-class service" and offer a personalized experience akin to a small neighborhood credit union.

The resources provided by this branch include financial education services aimed at helping members understand debt management and budgeting. The branch also engages with military and family support groups and offers promotional share certificates throughout the year.

In 2023 alone, the Iwakuni Branch processed nearly $13,600 in cash transactions and over 22,000 account servicing transactions while assisting with 612 instant-issue debit cards.

Captain Keith Hoskins (USN Retired), executive vice president of branch operations at Navy Federal, expressed his gratitude for receiving this recognition repeatedly: “It’s an honor to receive this award year after year. It speaks true to our core values.”

Navy Federal Credit Union was established in 1933 and now serves 14 million members globally as the world's largest credit union. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard personnel along with their families. The organization employs over 24,000 people across its global network of 360 branches.

For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org.