Navy jets train on Iwo Jima as Japan searches for better option

Japan is increasing its efforts to move critical flight training for U.S. Navy pilots off historic Iwo Jima — a relocation encouraged by military officials but opposed by residents of an island near the proposed replacement site.

At least once per year, the Navy sends its fighter aircraft from the Japanese mainland to the island, now called Iwo To, for a series of field carrier landing practice flights.

The training is necessary for the pilots, who must maintain qualifications that allow them to land the Navy’s top fighter jets on aircraft carriers, such as the Japan-based USS George Washington.

Read more