MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Veterans of the former Japanese Navy Aviation Fighting Squadron 28 visited the station July 18.
During World War II, MCAS Iwakuni was the squadron’s headquarters and was chosen for this year’s 40th anniversary tour.
During their two hour visit, the veterans were escorted by former Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Public Relations Officer Lt Cdr. Yasuhisa Hayami to Building 360, formerly the Headquarters Building of Japan’s Navy Aviation Squadron.
“The most impressive scene during this tour was the headquarters building,” said Toshio Nakashima, Japanese Navy veteran and native of Saijo-cho, Hiroshima. “There has been no change in the figure of the building. It was exactly the same 70 years ago. It brought back all of our memories, and I just can’t help missing my good old days.”
After the headquarters visit, the group was then taken to the Zero Hanger and JMSDF Iwakuni History Museum.
“This is the place our squadron’s command came from during WWII,” said Katsuto Tokuhara, tour organizer and Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, native. “In 1943, we dispatched a lot of Zero Aviation squadrons from here to Sumatra, Indian Ocean and other places.”
Tokuhara, served at Iwakuni as a JMSDF member until 1973, handling aircraft operations.
The veterans departed Iwakuni after eating lunch at the JMSDF Officers Mess Hall.