Yokosuka Naval Air Group

Yokosuka Naval Air Group
横須賀海軍航空隊
Yokosuka Naval Air Group Headquarters, 1932
Active1 April 1916 - 1945
Country Empire of Japan
Branch Imperial Japanese Navy
TypeMilitary aviation
RoleTraining/Research/Combat
Part ofImperial Japanese Navy Air Service
Garrison/HQYokosuka Naval District
Nickname(s)Yokosuka Sora
EngagementsBattle 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.