U.S. Military Aerial Exercise in Iwakuni Called for Termination by Local Mayor
The mayor of Iwakuni, Yoshihiko Fukuda, has made a request for the cancellation of an upcoming Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) scheduled to take place at the U.S. military's Iwakuni base between September 17 and September 26, 2025. The drill, which involves carrier-based aircraft practicing landing on a land runway simulating that of a flattop, was originally planned for Iwo Jima but has been relocated due to a volcanic eruption on the remote Japanese island.
The mayor expressed concern about the deafening noise that the drill would cause, and believes that such a drill will never win the understanding of local residents. The Japanese Defense Minister, Gen Nakatani, responded to the request but did not indicate any plans to persuade the U.S. military to cancel the FCLP.
The Japanese Defense Minister stated that the drill is important in strengthening U.S. deterrence and response capabilities. Despite the mayor's request, as of the provided information, the FCLP has not been cancelled.
The meeting between the mayor and the Japanese Defense Minister took place in Tokyo at the Defense Ministry. The request was made to the Japanese side, who are being asked to persuade the U.S. military to cancel the drill.
It is important to note that the exact date of the FCLP at the U.S. military's Iwakuni base is between September 17 and September 26, and the FCLP is not currently scheduled to take place on Iwo Jima due to the volcanic eruption.
The U.S. military usually conducts the FCLP on Iwo Jima, but the change in location has been necessitated by the recent volcanic activity on the Japanese island. The FCLP is not specified as to its exact date in the provided paragraph.
The mayor's request for the cancellation of the FCLP highlights the concerns of local residents about the noise and disruption caused by the drill. The U.S. military's Iwakuni base is the new location for the FCLP, and it remains to be seen whether the drill will proceed as planned or if the local government's request will be heeded.
