According to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense on May 30, 2025, for the first time ever, U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II aircraft participated in Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs) at Iwo To, Japan, marking a significant milestone for the Navy’s forward-deployed air wing. From May 19 to 31, 2025, aircrews from Carrier Air Wing 5, stationed aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), carried out intensive flight operations at the remote Pacific island in preparation for aircraft carrier landings. This training underlines the Navy’s strategic commitment to maintaining warfighting readiness in the U.S. Indo-Pacific region amid increasing security challenges. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link ...
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| A U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II from Strike Fighter Squadron 147 under Carrier Air Wing 5 approaches for landing during field carrier landing practice at Iwo To, Japan, on May 25, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD) |
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