Yokosuka Naval Air Group | |
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横須賀海軍航空隊 | |
Active | 1 April 1916 - 1945 |
Country | Empire of Japan |
Branch | Imperial Japanese Navy |
Type | Military aviation |
Role | Training/Research/Combat |
Part of | Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service |
Garrison/HQ | Yokosuka Naval District |
Nickname(s) | Yokosuka Sora |
Engagements | Battle of Iwo Jima |
The Yokosuka Naval Air Group (横須賀海軍航空隊, Yokosuka Kaigun Kōkū-tai) was the first aviation unit established by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1916 and survived until the end of the Pacific War. It was charged with educating and training aviation personnel, practical testing of new aircraft, and tactical research. In the event of an emergency, it was supposed to take charge of the defense of Tokyo Bay, and from February 1944, when the war situation demanded it, the unit was also involved in combat.