Gaining a greater appreciation

IWO TO, Japan - Maj. Eiichi Kikuchi, left, Japan Air Self-Defense Force director of operations at Iwo To, discusses the significance of a monument to Maj. Gen. Sam Angelella, right, 5th Air Force vice commander, and Maj. Ryan Hall, 5th AF chief of policy and strategy, during their tour Feb. 4, 2010. The monument is in honor of Lt. Col. "Baron" Nishi, an Imperial Army battalion tank commander who died during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Prior to the war, Baron Nishi was an Olympic medalist in equestrian sports. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Will Powell)

Gaining a greater appreciation

IWO TO, Japan - A group of Yokota Airmen walk along the beach at Iwo To, known to Americans as Iwo Jima, during a staff ride tour Feb. 4, 2010. About 65 Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing and 5th Air Force Headquarters participated in the tour to learn more about the historical battle that began here 65 years ago this month. The Airmen walked along the beach that served as the Marine’s original landing site and climbed Mt. Suribachi where the Marine’s raised the American flag during the battle. The tour also gave the Airmen a greater appreciation for the harsh living and working conditions under which the Japanese military worked to defend the island and Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Will Powell)

Gaining a greater appreciation

IWO TO, Japan - Members from 5th Air Force Headquarters and 374th Airlift Wing approach Silver Cave, the only source of fresh water on Iwo To, during a tour to the island Feb. 4, 2010. The water supply was so limited in 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima that many Japanese soldiers died of thirst and dehydration. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Will Powell)