Why did the united states want to invade the island of okinawa?

The United States needed a close enough military base, to plan and execute a full invasion of the Japanese mainland.

Explanation:

Okinawa stood in a strategic position in the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to Japan provided a good spot of the United States and the Allies to set up a military base to plan a full out invasion of Japan.

From Okinawa, the U. S had a close enough range to deploy their warplanes and also transport their full artillery and since Okinawa was not landlocked, the United States could easily bring in supplies and reinforcements through the Pacific for the battle against Japan.

The invasion occurred because the United States troops wanted to takeover the Ryukyu Islands. Also invading Okinawa Island would make it easier for them to access Japan.

Explanation:

The invasion of the Island of Okinawa occurred just after the battle of Iwo Jima had occurred. The invasion spanned between April 1, 1945 - June 22, 1945. In an operation known as Operation Iceberg, the United States troop set out on a mission to invade the Japanese Islands.

This invasion would make it easier for them to fully access, attack, and capture Japan. The battle was very fierce and bloody as about 12, 000 United States soldiers lost their lives and about 100,000 Japanese died.