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65-541: Sea Control Squadron 21 (VS-21) was an aviation unit of the United States Navy . It served from 1945 to 2005 and was mainly tasked with anti-submarine warfare while operating from aircraft carriers . It was the only squadron to receive the designations VA-1E, VC-21, or VS-21. The squadron originally as VT-41 established in the final year of World War II , and served after the war aboard USS Badoeng Strait CVE-116 helping to develop hunter-killer ASW tactics for

130-487: A seaplane base, and a naval air station. On 30 August 1945, Vice Admiral Michitaro Totsuka , last Japanese commander of the Yokosuka Naval District, surrendered his command to Rear Admiral Robert Carney , and the base was peacefully occupied by U.S. Marines of the 6th Marine Division , British Royal Marines , and U.S. Naval personnel. Commander Fleet Activities (COMFLEACT) Yokosuka was created shortly after

195-429: A $ 200 fare, which he had incurred returning from Tokyo. He had been stationed aboard the guided missile cruiser USS  Cowpens  (CG-63) , but was absent without leave at the time of the murder and considered a deserter. Both murders resulted in the U.S. Navy severely restricting the liberty of all sailors in the fleet. Personnel and ships from the base assisted with Operation Tomodachi following and during

260-687: A CNO Safety Award CAPT. Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for ASW excellence in 1975. After being reassigned to CVW-9 and the USS Constellation CV-64 , the squadron deployed on 12 April 1977 to the West Pacific, returning on 21 November. On 30 May 1979, VS-21 deployed with CVW-15 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 with the addition of the US-3A Viking COD aircraft , returning on 25 February 1980. VS-21 made one operational deployment with

325-557: A decisive contribution until the Germans introduced Blitzkrieg during the Invasion of Poland and Battle of France , where aircraft functioned as mobile flying artillery to quickly disrupt defensive formations. The Allies would later use rocket-equipped fighters in the same role, immobilizing German armored divisions during the Battle of Normandy and afterwards. World War I also saw the creation of

390-545: A major role in winning the Battle of the Atlantic . Aircraft also played a much expanded role, with many notable engagements being decided solely through the use of military aircraft, such as the Battle of Britain or the attack on Pearl Harbor , and the conclusion of the Pacific War against Japan was marked by two lone aircraft dropping the atomic bombs , devastating the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki . The introduction of

455-481: A military hospital were established nearby in the course of its history, turning the area around the arsenal into a major fleet base. During World War II , activities at the Yokosuka Navy Yard reached their peak. By 1944, it covered 280 acres (1.1 km ) and employed over 40,000 workers. In addition to the shipbuilding plant, the yard also had a gun factory, ordnance and supply depots, a fuel storage facility,

520-504: A nation's armed forces may use aviation ( naval aviation and army aviation ), in addition to or instead of, a dedicated air force. In some cases, this includes coast guard services that are also an armed service, as well as gendarmeries and equivalent forces. United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka ( 横須賀海軍施設 , Yokosuka kaigunshisetsu ) or Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka ( 司令官艦隊活動横須賀 , Shirei-kan kantai katsudō Yokosuka )

585-607: A vital role in maintenance and repair of the U.S. Seventh Fleet during both the Korean War and Vietnam War . In March 1952, the geographical boundaries of Naval Forces Far East were changed to exclude the Philippines, Marianas , Bonin and Volcano Islands . In December 1952, the headquarters were shifted from Tokyo to Yokosuka. The expanded Supply Department of Fleet Activities became Naval Supply Depot, Yokosuka in August 1952. In 1960,

650-555: Is a United States Navy base in Yokosuka , Japan . Its mission is to maintain and operate base facilities for the logistic, recreational, administrative support and service of the U.S. Naval Forces Japan , Seventh Fleet and other operating forces assigned in the Western Pacific. CFAY is the largest strategically important U.S. naval installation in the western Pacific. Fleet Activities Yokosuka comprises 2.3 km (568 acres) and

715-708: Is located at the entrance of Tokyo Bay , 65 km (40 mi) south of Tokyo and approximately 30 km (20 mi) south of Yokohama on the Miura Peninsula in the Kantō region of the Pacific Coast in Central Honshu , Japan. The 55 tenant commands which make up this installation support U.S. Navy Pacific operating forces, including principal afloat elements of the United States Seventh Fleet, including

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780-662: Is the branch of a nation's armed forces that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from the army , navy , or other branches. Most nations either maintain an air force or, in the case of smaller and less well-developed countries, an air wing (see List of air forces ). Air forces are usually tasked with the air defense of a country, as well as strategic bombing, interdiction, close air support, intelligence gathering, battlespace management, transport functions, and providing services to civil government agencies. Air force operations may also include space-based operations such as reconnaissance or satellite operations. Other branches of

845-849: The Carl Vinson, the Battleships USS New Jersey BB-62 and USS Missouri BB-64 as well as several vessels of the JMSDF . More exercises with the Carl Vinson and her air wing occurred with VS-21 and CVW-11 while in coordination with the ROK Armed Forces off South Korea between 18 and 28 October. After making port calls in British Hong Kong and Subic Bay as well as avoiding Typhoon Hunt in late November, VS-21 and Enterprise's Battlegroup conducted operations with Midway Battlegroup as part of Operation Classic Resolve during

910-662: The Gulf War . Airborne Early Warning provides advance warning of enemy activities to reduce the chance of being surprised. Many also have command functions that allow them to direct or vector friendly fighters onto incoming bogeys. Bombers are capable of carrying large payloads of bombs and may sacrifice speed or maneuverability to maximize payload. Experimental aircraft are designed to test advanced aerodynamic, structural, avionic, or propulsion concepts. These are usually well instrumented, with performance data telemetered on radio-frequency data links to ground stations located at

975-679: The Gulf of Tonkin Incident . By that afternoon, VS-21 and the rest of CVSG-53, which had been temporarily based at NAF Atsugi ; had returned to the carrier. In 1965, the squadron transferred to the S-2E Tracker and became the first VS squadron to operationally employ the AGM-12 Bullpup . Three more deployments to the Vietnam War in 1966, 1968 and 1969 also took place, all as part of CVSG-53, operating on board

1040-643: The Kearsage. In 1971, VS-21 was reassigned to the USS Saratoga CV-60 to validate the ability to operate ASW units with an Attack Carrier (the CV Concept). This test was deemed successful and as a result, the Attack Carriers (CVA) became Carriers (CV). VS-21 made its last deployment with CVSG-53 and its last Vietnam War deployment between 17 May and 29 July 1972. 1974 saw the squadron being selected to become

1105-615: The Kitty Hawk deployed to the Persian Gulf between March and August 1999 as well as taking part in a Westpac deployment between October and November that same year. That same year, VS-21 received newer Vikings from several squadrons including one from VS-29 (April 1999), two from VS-41 (September 1999) and 5 from VS-38 (which VS-21 swapped all of its older aircraft with in Hawaii during November 1999). VS-21 conducted its first two deployments of

1170-526: The Kitty Hawk's Air Wing as it took part in Summer Pulse 2004 between 19 July and 7 September 2004. The squadron was finally disestablished on 28 February 2005. This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons . Military aviation The first military uses of aviation involved lighter-than-air balloons. During the Battle of Fleurus in 1794,

1235-654: The Republic of China (Taiwan) held its first democratic elections during the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis . After two more deployments (including one to the Persian Gulf in 1998), in July 1998; VS-21 and the Independence transited to Pearl Harbor to conduct another Carrier swap, arriving on 17 July 1998. VS-21 and CVW-5 moved to the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 and departed on 24 July from Hawaii before arriving back in Japan on 11 August. VS-21 and

1300-590: The Tokugawa Shogunate Government, decided that "If Japan is to assume an active role in world trade, she must have proper facilities to build and maintain large seagoing vessels." He called upon the French Consul General, Léon Roches , and asked for the assistance of the French government to build a shipyard and various basing facilities capable of handling large ships. French engineer Léonce Verny

1365-528: The USS Midway and her air wing on 14–15 February before arriving in the Persian Gulf for Earnest Will on 18 February. Between 18 February and 10 March and then from 19 March and 22 May, VS-21 and CVW-11 conducted operations in the Persian Gulf which included taking part in a supporting role during Operation Praying Mantis on 18 April. During their transit to British Hong Kong , on 5–6 June, one of their S-3A Vikings during takeoff rolled to left and crashed into

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1430-696: The USS Ranger CV-61 between 7 April and 18 October 1982 before being reassigned to CVW-11. Beginning in May 1984, VS-21 made five operation cruises with CVW-11 between 1984 and 1990 on board the USS Enterprise CVN-65 , including a 1986 World Cruise through the Suez Canal and taking part in Operation Earnest Will . After leaving for another cruise on 5 January 1988, VS-21 and her air wing replaced

1495-578: The jet engine , radar , early missiles , helicopters , and computers are World War II advancements which are felt to the present day. Post World War II, the development of military aviation was spurred by the Cold War stand-off between the super-powers. The helicopter appeared late in World War II and matured into an indispensable part of military aviation, transporting troops and providing expanded anti-submarine capabilities to smaller warships, negating

1560-477: The 1989 Philippines coup attempt. The final operations for VS-21 in 1989 brought them to Singapore as well taking part in war games with the Royal Malaysian Navy On 27 January 1990, NH704 , one of VS-21's S-3As; had to divert to RAFO Masirah due to partial loss of flight control movement. The aircraft later returned to Enterprise on 31 January. After conducting anti-drug interdiction operations with

1625-619: The 2000s between April and November 2000 in the Western Pacific and the Sea of Japan. Another Westpac deployment also took place between March and June 2001. VS-21 also assigned several of three of their aircraft to CVW-5 Detachment A as part of Operation Enduring Freedom between 1 October and 23 December 2001. VS-21 made two more deployments in 2002. On 23 January 2003, VS-21 and the Kitty Hawk Battlegroup deployed to take part in Operations of

1690-588: The French observation balloon l'Entreprenant was used to monitor Austrian troop movements. The use of lighter-than-air aircraft in warfare became prevalent in the 19th century, including regular use in the American Civil War . Lighter-than-air military aviation persisted until shortly after World War II , gradually being withdrawn from various roles as heavier-than-air aircraft improved. Heavier-than-air aircraft were recognized as having military applications early on, despite resistance from traditionalists and

1755-781: The KC-135, KC-46, KC-767, A310 MRTT, and the KC-130J. These aircraft are a part of many countries' militant assets. Training aircraft are used to train recruits to fly aircraft and to provide additional training for specialized roles such as in air combat. Transport aircraft transport troops and supplies. Cargo can be on pallets for quick unloading. Cargo, and personnel may also be discharged from flying aircraft on parachutes . Also included in this category are aerial tankers, which can refuel other aircraft while in flight . Helicopters and gliders can transport troops and supplies to areas where other aircraft would be unable to land. An air force

1820-628: The March 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and Fukushima I nuclear accidents . During the crisis, around 3,000 U.S. family members left the base, preferring to be outside Japan during a time of uncertainty. Destroyer Squadron 15 (COMDESRON 15) During the late 1960s and 1970s, the Yokosuka Microwave Communications Site was part of the telephone communications network in the Tokyo area. The building and 106.7 meter tall microwave tower

1885-607: The Naval Communications Facility was redesignated U.S. Naval Communications Station, Japan. In 1952, US occupation of Japan formally ended and Japanese rearmament commenced, with its naval forces formally organized as Japan Maritime Self Defense Force by 1954. Some parts of the former Yokosuka Naval District were ceded back to house a new base for JMSDF, now known as JMSDF Yokosuka Naval Base . On 5 October 1973, USS  Midway , with Carrier Air Wing Five and her accompanying task group, put into Yokosuka, marking

1950-725: The TBM-3E to the TBM-3S ASW aircraft before returning on 16 February 1951. Another Korean War deployment with the Bairoko took place between 3 February and 8 May 1953. This was VS-21's first deployment the Grumman AF-2S/2W Guardian . In December 1954, VS-21 began to operate the Grumman S2F-1 Tracker. In 1955, the squadron began to display the red lightning bolt on their engine and later tailfins of their aircraft. The following year,

2015-493: The U.S. Navy, and ultimately operated from full-size aircraft carriers in the sea control role, capable of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The squadron was established as VT-41 at Naval Air Station Seattle , Washington (USA), under the command of LT. Joseph P. Keigher, with the General Motors -built TBM-1, TBM-1C, and TBM-3 Avenger torpedo bomber as part of CVEG-41. Commander Air Force Pacific Fleet had designated

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2080-422: The U.S. Navy. In recent years, a number of high-profile international incidents involving U.S. sailors occurred around the base. The most notable were two murders which occurred in 2006 and 2008. One of them was the murder was committed by Seaman Olantunbosun Ugbogu, a Nigerian citizen who had joined the U.S. Navy, but had not yet received citizenship. Ugbogu stabbed a taxi driver to death in order to avoid paying

2145-639: The U.S. West Coast and the Western Pacific . The squadron saw extensive service in ASW trials and tactics development aboard Badoeng Strait . When the US Navy turned back to the designation system used before November 1946, both CVEG-1 squadrons VA-1E and VF-1E were merged into Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21) on 1 September 1948, creating one of six new anti-submarine squadrons. VC-21 was redesignated VS-21 (Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 21) on 23 April 1950. The squadron became

2210-545: The Western Pacific and the Sea of Japan. On 1 October 1993, the squadron was redesignated Sea Control Squadron 21 (retaining the abbreviated form VS-21). VS-21 made another deployment to Persian Gulf as part of Southern Watch between 17 November 1993 and 17 March 1994, followed by taking part in RIMPAC 1994 during June to July 1994. During March 1996, VS-21 along with CVW-5 and the Independence took part in contingency operations as

2275-699: The air wing's E-2Cs on 2 March, Enterprise and arrived at Norfolk , Virginia, on 17 May 1990 before VS-21 and CVW-11 returned to bases between 24 and 29 May. Around December 1990, VS-21 began receiving the S-3B Viking with the tailcode of CVW-5 , the air wing they would move to 1991. Temporarily assigned to CVW-14 , VS-21 departed with the USS Independence CV-62 on 5 August 1991 from NAS North Island . Arriving at Pearl Harbor on 22 August, most of CVW-14's squadrons including VS-21 were officially reassigned to CVW-5, while some of CVW-14 and CVW-5 moved to

2340-548: The building of new carriers. During World War II, U-boats threatened the ability of the Allies to transport troops and war materiel to Europe, spurring the development of very long range Maritime patrol aircraft, whose capability of independently detecting and destroying submerged submarines was greatly increased with new detection systems, including sonobuoys , Leigh Lights , and radar , along with better weapons including homing torpedoes and improved depth charges . This played

2405-525: The capabilities of both a fighter or a bomber, depending on what the mission calls for. Reconnaissance aircraft and scout helicopters are primarily used to gather intelligence. They are equipped with photographic, infrared, radar, and television sensors. This role is increasingly being filled by spy satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles . Refueling aircraft are used to refuel fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, extending mission reach and flying range. These aircraft include but are not limited to

2470-604: The coast of North Korea due to the latter's nuclear and military developments in light of the positioning of US forces near Iraq. VS-21 and the carrier then transited to the Persian Gulf for their last Southern Watch deployment. Starting on 19 March, the squadron took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom , before finishing operations in the Gulf on 23 April, arriving back in Japan on 6 May 2003. VS-21 made three more deployments during 2003 and 2004 which included its last deployment with

2535-566: The decision was a mutual agreement between the United States and Japan. Hiroyuki Hosoda, spokesman for Japan's government, said, "We believe that the change (of the carriers) will lead to maintaining the solid presence of the U.S. Navy and contribute to keeping Japan's security and international peace into the future." On 25 September 2008, George Washington arrived in Yokosuka, making it the only forward-deployed, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in

2600-470: The early 1960s, missiles were expected to replace manned interceptors and the guns in other manned aircraft. They failed to live up to expectations as surface-to-air missiles lacked flexibility and were not as effective as manned interceptors, and fighters equipped only with air-to-air missiles had limited effectiveness against opposing aircraft which could avoid being hit. Missiles were also expensive, especially against low-value ground targets. The 1970s saw

2665-589: The end of World War I , military aviation had rapidly embraced many specialized roles, such as artillery spotting, air superiority, bombing, ground attack, and anti-submarine patrols. Technological improvements were made at a frenzied pace, and the first all-metal cantilevered airplanes were going into service as the war ended. Between the major world wars incremental improvements made in many areas, especially powerplants, aerodynamics, structures, and weapons, led to an even more rapid advance in aircraft technology during World War II, with large performance increases and

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2730-644: The first US Navy ASW Squadron to depart from the US on a deployment in response to the Korean War on 4 July that year on board the USS Sicily CVE-118 . During the cruise, they were responsible for the evacuation of wounded US Marine service members from Koto-ri Airfield during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir . On 3 December, the squadron transferred during the deployment to the USS Bairoko CVE-115 , moving from

2795-479: The first forward deployment of a complete carrier task group in a Japanese port. This was the result of an accord reached on 31 August 1972 between the U.S. and Japan. In addition to the morale factor of dependents housed along with the crew in a foreign port, the move had strategic significance because it facilitated the continuous positioning of three carriers in the Far East at a time when the economic situation demanded

2860-695: The first squadron in the US Navy to operate the Lockheed S-3A Viking . That same year, the squadron changed its name from the Lightning Bolts to the Fighting Red Tails. Between 28 June 1975 and 27 January 1976, VS-21 made the first S-3 Viking deployment as part of CVW-1 assigned to the USS John F Kennedy CV-67 , sailing to the Mediterranean Sea. The squadron also won a Battle E award as well as

2925-505: The first strategic bomber units, however, they wouldn't be tested until the Spanish Civil War where the perceived effects of mass bombardment would encourage their widespread use during World War II. Carrier aviation also first appeared during World War I, and likewise came to play a major role during World War II, with most major navies recognizing the aircraft carrier's advantages over the battleship and devoting massive resources to

2990-551: The introduction of aircraft into new roles, including Airborne Early Warning , electronic warfare , weather reconnaissance , and flying lifeboats. Great Britain used aircraft to suppress revolts throughout the Empire during the interwar period and introduced the first military transports , which revolutionized logistics , allowing troops and supplies to be quickly delivered over vastly greater distances. While they first appeared during World War I, ground attack aircraft didn't provide

3055-702: The need for large numbers of small carriers. The need to out-perform opponents pushed new technology and aircraft developments in the U.S.S.R. and the United States , among others, and the Korean War and the Vietnam War tested the resulting designs. Incredible advances in electronics were made, starting with the first electronic computers during World War II and steadily expanding from its original role of cryptography into communications, data processing, reconnaissance, remotely piloted aircraft, and many other roles until it has become an integral aspect of modern warfare. In

3120-445: The occupation in 1945. As the Base became organized, the shipyard was deactivated and much of the equipment was sent to other countries as part of reparations. The repair ship Piedmont took charge of ship repair and maintenance, the hospital became a Naval Dispensary , later Naval Hospital Yokosuka Japan , and the Supply Department was organized to provide support to the fleet and shore-based activities. The Public Works Department

3185-436: The older Midway as it got replaced. VS-21, CVW-5 and the Independence then departed Pearl Harbor for US Fleet Activities Yokosuka on 28 August 1991, arriving in Japan on 11 September. VS-21's first operation deployment with CVW-5 occurred between 15 and 24 October November 1991, largely occurring in the Western Pacific and the Sea of Japan. VS-21's first Persian Gulf deployment since 1990 began on 15 April 1992, arriving in

3250-399: The only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier , USS  Ronald Reagan  (CVN-76) , the group she heads, Carrier Strike Group Five , and Destroyer Squadron 15 . When Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Japan in 1853, using naval pressure to open up Japan to foreign trade, Yokosuka was a quaint, native fishing village. In 1860, Lord Oguri Kozukenosuke , Minister of Finance to

3315-464: The reduction of carriers in the fleet. In August 1991, Midway departed Yokosuka and was replaced by Independence as the forward-deployed carrier in Yokosuka. In August 1998, Kitty Hawk relieved Independence as the 7th Fleet forward-based carrier. On 1 December 2005, the U.S. Navy announced that in 2008 Kitty Hawk would be replaced by the nuclear-powered Nimitz -class aircraft carrier George Washington . A U.S. Navy spokesman said

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3380-441: The region on 10 August. They became the first US Navy VS squadron to take part in Operation Southern Watch when the Independence and her air wing were assigned to begin the No-Fly Zone over Southern Iraq on 26 August 1992. VS-21 and the Independence were relieved by the Ranger Battlegroup on 14 September 1992, before returning to Japan on 13 October 1992. Between February and July 1993, VS-21 conducted two short deployments in

3445-442: The return of the gun-armed fighter, and a greater emphasis on maneuverability. The 1980s through to the present day were characterized by stealth technology and other countermeasures. Today, a country's military aviation forces are often the first line of defense against an attack, or the first forces to attack the enemy, and effective military aviation forces (or lack thereof) have proved decisive in several recent conflicts such as

3510-435: The sea. Despite ejecting, three of the four crew on board perished, including VS-21's CO . VS-21 returned to the States on 1 July 1988. VS-21, CVW-11 and the Enterprise left NAS Alameda for a World Cruise on 25 July 1989. After taking part in PACEX '89 with the Carl Vinson and Constellation Battlegroups, VS-21 took part in several war games in the Sea of Japan, Western Pacific and off Okinawa with 48 vessels including

3575-406: The severe limitations of early aircraft. The U.S. Army Signal Corps purchased a Wright Model A on 2 August 1909 which became the first military aircraft in history. In 1911, the Italians used a variety of aircraft types in reconnaissance, photo-reconnaissance, and bombing roles during the Italo-Turkish War . On October 23, 1911, an Italian pilot, Captain Carlo Piazza, flew over Turkish lines on

3640-430: The squadron made deployment to the West Pacific and Indian Ocean on board the USS Princeton CV-37 , becoming the first Pacific Fleet VS squadron to win the Battle E award . This was followed by deployment in 1958 on board the Philippine Sea and in late 1959 to early 1960 on the Kearsarge , both of these with addition of the S2F-2 variant for the first time. After returning from its 1959 deployment, in April 1960,

3705-405: The squadron supported the recovery of Mercury-Atlas 8 on 3 October 1962. After another deployment in 1963, VS-21 and the Kearsarge left what was to become a major Westpac deployment on 19 June 1964. On 5 August 1964, while carrier was inport at Yokosuka , Japan; the ship was ordered to provide ASW protection for US Navy Attack Carriers in the South China Sea near North Vietnam , as a result of

3770-511: The squadron upon formation as having anti-submarine warfare as its primary mission. On 15 November 1946, as part of a service-wide reorganization, VT-41 was redesignated VA-1E, while CVEG-41 was simultaneously redesignated CVEG-1. The group, which consisted of VA-1E and fighter squadron VF-1E, was assigned on 4 December 1946, on the Badoeng Strait . VA-1E was identified by the tail code "BS" (call sign "Beef Steak"). In 1947–1948, VA-1E conducted regular ASW exercises aboard Badoeng Strait between

3835-408: The squadron was split in two, with one half continuing as VS-21 while the other half became VS-29 . Both VS-21 and VS-29 along with the Helicopter ASW squadron HS-6 were assigned to CVSG-53, embarking on the air group's first cruise in 1961 with the Kearsarge. Another deployment in 1962 took the squadron to the Pacific Missile Range , deploying the S2F-1 and 1S and 1S1 aircraft. During this cruise,

3900-409: The support of South Korea . The Navy Dispensary was enlarged and expanded and was commissioned a U.S. Naval Hospital in 1950. The Naval Communications Facility, Yokosuka, was commissioned in January 1951. In April 1951, the Ship Repair Department became a component command. It was redesignated the Ship Repair Facility. As the major naval ship repair facility in the Far East, the Yokosuka Facility assumed

3965-1008: The test ranges where they are flown. Fighters establish and maintain air superiority . Speed and maneuverability are usually requirements and they carry a variety of weapons, including machine guns and guided missiles, to do this. Forward Air Control directs close air support aircraft to ensure that the intended targets are nullified and friendly troops remain uninjured. Ground-attack aircraft support ground troops by weakening or nullifying enemy defenses. Helicopter gunships and specialized ground attack aircraft attack enemy armor or troops and provide close air support for ground troops. Liaison aircraft are usually small, unarmed aircraft used to deliver messages and key personnel. Maritime Patrol Aircraft are used to control sea-lanes, and are often equipped with special electronic gear for detecting and sinking submarines, such as sonar. They are also used for search and rescue missions and fisheries patrols. Multirole combat aircraft combine

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4030-417: The world's first aerial reconnaissance mission, and on November 1, the first ever aerial bomb was dropped by Sottotenente Giulio Gavotti , on Turkish troops in Libya , from an early model of Etrich Taube aircraft. The Turks , lacking anti-aircraft weapons, were the first to shoot down an airplane by rifle fire. The earliest military role filled by aircraft was reconnaissance , however, by

4095-535: Was established. Yokosuka Submarine Base was founded in September 1945. In May 1946, the Marines at Yokosuka were redesignated Marine Barracks, U.S. Fleet Activities, Yokosuka. In April 1947, the Ship Repair Department was organized, and the shops and dry docks were reactivated to maintain the ships of the U.S. Fleet in the Pacific. With the onset of the Korean War on 25 June 1950, Yokosuka Navy Base suddenly became very important and extremely busy. The U.S., still an occupying power in Japan, turned its full efforts to

4160-462: Was sent to Japan to accomplish the task. After the inspection of several sites, it was discovered that Yokosuka topographically, if on a smaller scale, resembled the port of Toulon , France. It was decided to establish the shipyard here. It would be called the "Yokosuka Iron Works". In 1871, the name was changed to the "Yokosuka Navy Yard". It was French engineer Louis-Émile Bertin who reorganized "Yokosuka Navy Yard" completely from 1886. Yokosuka

4225-496: Was to become one of the main arsenals of the Imperial Japanese Navy into the 20th century. Battleships such as Yamashiro , and aircraft carriers such as Hiryu and Shokaku were built there. Major naval aircraft were also designed at the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal . In addition, numerous other facilities, including the headquarters of various naval units, administration buildings, military training schools, airfields, communication facilities, barracks, armories and

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