Final answer:
The Seabees landed with the Marines on Iwo Jima during World War II to construct an airfield, supporting the 'island hopping' strategy of the Pacific campaign.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. Seabees, who were the United States Naval Construction Battalions, landed with the Marines on the Pacific Island of Iwo Jima to put a shell-pocket airfield into operation.
This strategic move occurred during the intense Pacific campaign of World War II, specifically in February 1945. Iwo Jima was chosen because of its location, providing a suitable base for fighter planes and cover for long-range bombers targeting Japan.
The blood-stained battle of Iwo Jima was emblematic of the 'island hopping' strategy, which saw U.S. forces capturing key islands to advance closer to Japan, disrupt supply routes, and prepare for an eventual invasion of the Japanese homeland.
Despite the heavy casualties, this strategy was crucial in the U.S. military's eventual success and the resulting capability to execute air raids over Japanese territory without the threat of kamikaze attacks on aircraft carriers.