U.S. strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific, U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II fighter jets have, for the first time, conducted Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs) at Iwo To, Japan. This milestone not only underscores the Navy’s commitment to maintaining readiness in one of the world’s most geopolitically volatile regions but also demonstrates a critical evolution in the operational use of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft.
From May 19 to 31, 2025, the carrier-based squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 5, forward-deployed aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73), engaged in high-intensity landing exercises on the remote Pacific island. This rigorous training cycle included not only the F-35Cs from Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) but also the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and E-2D Hawkeyes, showcasing the full spectrum of carrier air wing capabilities.
The F-35C Lightning II, the carrier-optimized version of the Joint Strike Fighter, is the most technologically advanced aircraft in the U.S. Navy’s inventory. With its enlarged wingspan, folding wingtips, reinforced landing gear, and a specialized tailhook, the F-35C is purpose-built for catapult launches and arrested recoveries on aircraft carriers. Its stealth profile, advanced sensors, extended range, and superior payload capacity make it a force multiplier in both strike and air superiority missions.
This evolution marks the first time the F-35C has participated in FCLPs at Iwo To, reflecting the Navy’s strategic emphasis on deploying cutting-edge capabilities closer to potential hotspots in the Indo-Pacific. The inclusion of the F-35C in these exercises affirms its full integration into carrier strike group operations and its readiness for combat deployment.
Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) is a critical element of naval aviator training. Often described as the most demanding segment of pilot qualification, FCLPs simulate the challenges of landing on a moving aircraft carrier deck under various conditions, including low visibility and night operations. The landing area available to pilots is roughly the size of a football field, requiring unmatched precision and skill.
At Iwo To, these challenges are amplified. The island’s geographical isolation and austere conditions closely replicate the environment of carrier operations at sea. Limited infrastructure, the absence of nearby diversion airfields, and the logistical complexity of operating in such a remote locale push pilots and support crews to operate with the same constraints they would face in actual combat scenarios.
The selection of Iwo To as a training ground is as symbolic as it is strategic. The island, steeped in history from its pivotal role in World War II, now serves as a proving ground for modern naval aviation. Located roughly halfway between mainland Japan and the Mariana Islands, Iwo To occupies a crucial position in the western Pacific theater.
Its remote setting offers several training advantages. The lack of light pollution makes it ideal for night landing simulations. The unpredictable weather patterns simulate the harsh conditions of maritime operations. Most importantly, the logistical and operational constraints simulate life aboard a carrier, enhancing the realism of the training.
Captain William Fallon, assistant chief of staff for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, emphasized the intensity of the training: “Operating at Iwo To is not just about honing flight skills—it’s about mental fortitude and resilience. There are no easy outs here. It’s a test of everything we expect our carrier aviators to be able to do under pressure.”
Carrier Air Wing 5 has been headquartered in Japan since 1973 and represents the tip of the spear for U.S. naval aviation in the Indo-Pacific. Its current aircraft mix includes:
- VFA-147: F-35C Lightning II
- VFA-102: F/A-18F Super Hornets
- VAQ-141: EA-18G Growlers
- VAW-125: E-2D Hawkeyes
- HSC-12: MH-60S Seahawks
This mix ensures a comprehensive combat capability spanning electronic warfare, airborne command and control, strike operations, and anti-submarine warfare.
The air wing’s permanent forward-deployment in Japan allows the Navy to maintain a continuous presence in the region, enhancing both deterrence and response times. The FCLPs at Iwo To are a vital part of ensuring that every pilot, maintainer, and deck crew member is prepared to execute their mission under the most demanding conditions.
The use of Iwo To for FCLP training sends a strong message. It signals to allies that the United States is committed to readiness and regional stability. It signals to potential adversaries that the U.S. Navy maintains the capability and will to operate at full strength anywhere in the Indo-Pacific.
The ability to conduct full-spectrum flight operations at such a remote site aligns with the Navy’s broader strategy of distributed maritime operations (DMO). DMO emphasizes the importance of mobility, flexibility, and survivability in contested environments. It supports the concept of “expeditious maneuver warfare,” which prioritizes unpredictability and resilience.
Despite its strategic benefits, Iwo To presents notable limitations as a training site. The lack of immediate diversion airfields poses a risk in the event of aircraft emergencies or rapidly deteriorating weather. Support infrastructure is minimal, requiring extensive logistical planning and preparation. These constraints make it unsuitable as a permanent FCLP site.
As a result, the U.S. Government maintains flexibility to conduct FCLPs at alternate mainland locations as needed. This ensures that training continues uninterrupted while mitigating operational risks.
The first-ever FCLPs involving the F-35C at Iwo To represent more than just a training evolution—they reflect a deliberate strategic move by the United States to deepen its operational posture in the Indo-Pacific. As global tensions rise and the nature of conflict continues to evolve, the ability to project power from remote, austere locations is no longer optional. It’s a necessity.
