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U.S. Military Aerobatic Exhibition in Iwakuni to be Terminated by City Mayor's Request

Japan's Iwakuni mayor appeals to the nation on September 16th, imploring the government for intervention.

U.S. Military Aircraft Training Event Faces Scrutiny by Iwakuni Mayor, Potential Cancellation...
U.S. Military Aircraft Training Event Faces Scrutiny by Iwakuni Mayor, Potential Cancellation Proposed

U.S. Military Aerobatic Exhibition in Iwakuni to be Terminated by City Mayor's Request

The next Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) scheduled by the U.S. military is set to take place at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan, following a volcanic eruption on Iwo Jima that made the original location unsuitable. The exact date for the drill, which is scheduled to run from September 17 to September 26, 2025, has been confirmed.

The U.S. military's Iwakuni base, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, will serve as the new venue for the FCLP. This decision was communicated to Tokyo by the U.S. military authorities.

The mayor of Iwakuni, however, has expressed concerns about the upcoming drill, requesting its cancellation. The mayor made this request during a meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo with the Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani. The mayor stated that the deafening noise caused by the drill would not win the understanding of local residents.

In response to the mayor's request, Minister Nakatani stated that the FCLP is crucial for strengthening U.S. deterrence and response capabilities. However, the minister's stance on the cancellation request was not further elaborated in the provided text.

The FCLP is a drill where carrier-based aircraft practice landing on a land runway simulating that of a flattop. The drill at Iwakuni will replace the one that was originally planned on Iwo Jima.

It is important to note that the location of the U.S. military's Iwakuni base is not specified as the original location of the FCLP in the provided text. Furthermore, the exact U.S. military's stance on the cancellation request is not mentioned in the provided information.

This development marks a significant change in the location of the FCLP, underscoring the flexibility and adaptability of military operations in response to unforeseen circumstances.

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