The Japanese government bought a large portion of what is today MCAS Iwakuni in 1938, with the view of establishing a naval air station.

When World War II started, the Iwakuni Air Station was used as a training and defense base.

In September 1943, a branch of the Etajima Naval Academy was established here, with approximately 1,000 cadets undergoing training in the Basic, Junior, and Senior Officer's schools at any one time.

American B-29's bombed Iwakuni in May and August 1945, concentrating on the oil refinery and Rail Transport Office or train station areas.

After the end of World War II, various military forces from the United States, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand occupied the base and it was repaired by No.

5 Airfield Construction Squadron RAAF and designated a Royal Australian Air Force Base in 1948.

[2] Iwakuni had scheduled international service by private airlines from 1952 to 1964, during which time it had the IATA airport code IWJ.

The base is detailed for Marine pilot training and air patrol, using F/A-18 Hornet fighter-attack aircraft among others in compliance with the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security obligations to protect Japan.

[5] On 22 November 2017, a C-2A Greyhound cargo plane with 11 crew and passengers aboard crashed southeast of Okinawa after departing the base for the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

[12] In 2007 the Japanese government passed legislation to prepare for the relocation of US Forces in Japan including subsidies for local affected areas.

In the future, the airport plans to serve international flights to China and South Korea, as well as more cities within Japan.