[2][dubious – discuss] With the landings on Iwo Jima, Seabees' first task was to get cargo and vehicles on the island.

Both old ships and concrete barges were sunk to make an artificial breakwater to form a harbor.

The other high priorities for the Seabees were fresh water and the repair and expansion of the airfields on Iwo Jima.

The United States Seventh Fleet Command Headquarters move to Iwo Jima in newly built buildings.

Next for Boeing B-29 Superfortress operation, the Seabees did massive earth works to get some to the needed 9,800 feet (3,000 m) runway.

Seabee built a road to the top of the highest peak, 161 m (528 ft), on Iwo Jima, Mount Suribachi on the south point of the island.

The beaches have a sharp dropped off into the ocean, producing a narrow and violent surf zone, difficult for the landing craft.

Iwo Jima is 1,200 km (750 mi; 650 nmi) south of the city of Tokyo, becoming a key base near Japan.