World War II
Virtual Museum |  |
The Air Offensive
(Against Japan, from Saipan and Tinian)
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Japanese airpower in Saipan before D-Day.
These photos are from a roll of Japanese 35mm film found
at Aslito airfield, found on D-Day+6 (June 21, 1944) by Jack Flannagan,
318th Fighter Group, 7th AAF.
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The first principal objective of the invasion of Saipan was Aslito
airfield in the southern part of Saipan. Taking this airfield provided
an immediate land base for American fighter aircraft and bombers.
Work on the "Marianas Airdrome" began immediately upon capture of
Aslito airfield. The airfield was later renamed Isely Field, in
honor of the first U.S. pilot who lost his life in Operation Forager
air combat.
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As soon as the airstrip could be leveled, Marine, Army and Navy
fighters and fighter-bombers begin arriving to support the Battle
of Saipan, Battle of Tinian, interdiction of air attacks from other
islands in the Marianas and Bonin Islands, and later for fighter
support for long-range bomber missions to Japan.
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The B-29s operated in vast numbers from Saipan, Tinian and Guam,
attacking the Japanese home islands.
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