WW2 Japanese Naval Ground Force Round Rate Island Made Petty Officer 3rd Aviation Pilot

In remote Pacific Islands the Japanese were often blockaded and cut off from resupply. This was known as bypassing or Island Hopping. The primary goal of Japanese occupation and subsequent American seizing of any island was to use the island as an airbase. These islands were manned initially by Japanese naval aircraft and grounds crew. Bypassed Japanese naval air bases were cut off from supply chains. Without food, ammunition, or reinforcements, these sailors were left to “wither on the vine” and became strategically irrelevant. When resupply was not coming, the Japanese would be forced to improvise and make, unobtainable, yet needed supplies. Evan on bypassed islands, a sailor who had earned a promotion, would need to wear his new rate consistent with naval regulations. Discipline was paramount in the Japanese navy. This rate is an example of an Island- made rate. It is for a Petty Officer in the Aviation Branch. This rank and rate are consistent with a pilot. The green background was for wear on flight suits or the green summer uniform.