A New Chapter for Forward-Deployed Naval Aviation in the Indo-Pacific – In a landmark event for U.S. naval aviation, F-35C Lightning II aircraft have, for the first time, engaged in Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs) at the historic island of Iwo To, Japan.
According to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement on May 30, 2025, these intensive training operations, conducted by Carrier Air Wing 5 from the USS George Washington (CVN 73) between May 19 and 31, 2025, signify a crucial step in bolstering warfighting readiness within the strategically vital U.S. Indo-Pacific region.
The F-35C: Spearheading Naval Air Superiority
The F-35C Lightning II, the U.S. Navy’s carrier-specific variant of the fifth-generation stealth fighter, was central to this pioneering training. Engineered for the rigors of carrier operations, the F-35C features a larger, foldable wingspan, robust landing gear designed for catapult launches and arrested recoveries, and a specialized tailhook. Its extended operational range, greater payload capacity, advanced stealth characteristics, and sophisticated networked warfare systems establish it as the pinnacle of naval aviation technology, providing the fleet with a decisive advantage in maritime strike and air dominance missions.
Mastering the Art of Carrier Landings: The Essence of FCLPs
Field Carrier Landing Practices are a cornerstone of U.S. Navy pilot training, representing the critical final rehearsal before aviators undertake actual arrested landings on an aircraft carrier. These exercises meticulously recreate the demanding, high-stakes environment of carrier deck operations. Pilots hone the precision skills necessary to land high-performance aircraft on a moving, often pitching, flight deck—a landing area comparable in length to a football field—frequently under challenging low-visibility or nighttime conditions. FCLPs are vital for both initial pilot qualification and maintaining proficiency, thereby preventing accidents and ensuring the operational readiness of deployed squadrons.
Comprehensive Air Wing Training at Iwo To
The FCLP exercises at Iwo To were a comprehensive undertaking, involving not only the F-35Cs but also a range of other aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 5, including F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and E-2D Hawkeyes. Crucially, the Landing Signal Officers (LSOs) of Air Wing 5, who play an indispensable role in the safety of flight deck recovery operations, also sharpened their expertise during these drills. The ability to simulate nighttime carrier conditions with high fidelity at Iwo To offered an unparalleled environment for these complex and realistic training scenarios.
Iwo To: A Unique and Strategic Training Ground for F-35C
The choice of Iwo To for these FCLPs offers distinct operational benefits, despite inherent challenges. The island’s remote location in the western Pacific and its austere setting provide a unique opportunity to simulate the isolation and environmental rigors of at-sea carrier operations.
The natural terrain and minimal light pollution create optimal conditions for night landing simulations, closely mirroring the blacked-out flight deck environment pilots encounter during nocturnal missions.
Furthermore, training at Iwo To compels aircrews and support personnel to operate under carrier-like constraints, such as limited infrastructure, the absence of immediate diversion airfields, and extended logistics chains, all contributing to enhanced realism and mental fortitude.
Strategically, Iwo To’s position approximately midway between Japan and the Mariana Islands makes it a valuable forward-deployed training location within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command theater. Its use supports regional deterrence and rapid response capabilities, aligning with the U.S. Navy’s focus on distributed maritime operations and expeditionary readiness in contested areas. By enabling crews to train under the most demanding and authentic conditions, FCLPs at Iwo To ensure that air wings like Carrier Air Wing 5 can project power safely and decisively.
Operational Realism and Future Considerations
Captain William Fallon, assistant chief of staff for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan, emphasized the training’s significance and the demanding operational environment at Iwo To. He highlighted the intensity of operating where diversion is not readily available, underscoring the value of practice in such an isolated and austere setting. While Iwo To’s geographic remoteness replicates the challenges of carrier aviation, it also points to the necessity for flexible training alternatives closer to mainland Japan to enhance safety and operational resilience.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 25, 2021) Lt. Nicholas Eppler, from Exeter, Calif., directs flight operations as an F-35C Lightning II assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Oct. 25, 2021. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Emily Claire Bennett) 211025-N-TY704-1241
F-35C on Static Display. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Despite its training advantages, Iwo To is not considered a viable permanent FCLP site due to its remote facilities and lack of nearby airfields for emergency or adverse weather diversions. The U.S. Government maintains the option to conduct FCLPs at alternative mainland locations to ensure the continuity and safety of naval aviation training.
Carrier Air Wing 5: A Pillar of Indo-Pacific Deterrence
Headquartered in Japan since 1973, Carrier Air Wing 5 is a diverse and potent force. It includes Electronic Attack Squadron 141 (VAQ-141) with its EA-18G Growlers, Airborne Command and Control Squadron 125 (VAW-125) flying E-2D Hawkeyes, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12) operating MH-60S Seahawks, Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) with the F-35Cs, and VFA-102 equipped with F/A-18F and F/A-18E Super Hornets. As the sole permanently forward-deployed U.S. carrier air wing, it remains a cornerstone of regional deterrence and operational assurance for America’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
This historic deployment of U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jets for training at Iwo To powerfully reinforces the Navy’s dedication to integrated deterrence, showcasing the evolving capabilities and strategic adaptability of carrier aviation in one of the world’s most critical geopolitical arenas.
