What Island is Hickam Air Force Base On?
Hickam Air Force Base (AFB) is a United States Air Force base located in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. The base is situated about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Honolulu’s city center and is part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), which is a joint military installation shared with the United States Navy.
History of Hickam Air Force Base
Hickam Air Force Base was established on January 1, 1940, as Hickam Field, named after Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Hardin Hickam, a decorated World War I pilot. The base was originally designed as a fighter pilot training facility and was home to the 14th Pursuit Group. During World War II, the base played a crucial role in the defense of Hawaii and served as a major military airfield.
Major Military Operations
Hickam Air Force Base has been involved in several significant military operations throughout its history. Some of the most notable include:
- Pearl Harbor Attack: On December 7, 1941, Hickam Field was attacked by the Japanese, resulting in the destruction of many aircraft and the loss of 237 lives.
- World War II: The base served as a major staging area for military aircraft and personnel during the war.
- Korean War: Hickam AFB was used as a refueling stop for aircraft en route to and from Korea.
- Vietnam War: The base was a major deployment point for military aircraft and personnel during the war.
- Gulf War: Hickam AFB was used as a staging area for military aircraft and personnel during the 1991 Gulf War.
- War on Terror: The base has been involved in various military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
Current Operations
Today, Hickam Air Force Base is a major operational hub for the United States Air Force in the Pacific. The base is home to several units, including:
- 15th Wing: The 15th Wing is the largest unit at Hickam AFB and is responsible for conducting global operations, including combat, humanitarian, and airlift missions.
- 154th Wing: The 154th Wing is a reserve unit that provides support to the base and conducts training exercises.
- Hawaii Air National Guard: The Hawaii Air National Guard is a reserve unit that provides support to the base and conducts training exercises.
Notable Aircraft
Hickam Air Force Base is home to a variety of aircraft, including:
- Boeing C-17 Globemaster III: The C-17 is a large military transport aircraft used for global airlift missions.
- Boeing KC-46 Pegasus: The KC-46 is a military tanker aircraft used for refueling and transport missions.
- Lockheed C-5 Galaxy: The C-5 is a large military transport aircraft used for global airlift missions.
- F-22 Raptor: The F-22 is a stealth fighter aircraft used for air-to-air combat missions.
Base Facilities
Hickam Air Force Base has a range of facilities, including:
- Hickam Field: The airfield is a 3,000-acre (1,214-hectare) facility with multiple runways and aprons.
- Administration Building: The administration building is the central hub for base operations and is home to the base commander and other senior leaders.
- Base Exchange: The base exchange is a convenience store and shopping center that offers a range of products and services to military personnel and their families.
- Fitness Center: The fitness center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a range of exercise equipment and classes.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Hickam Air Force Base is part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), which is a joint military installation shared with the United States Navy. The base is located on the same island as Pearl Harbor, which is a significant historical site in American history.
Table: Hickam Air Force Base Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | January 1, 1940 |
| Location | Honolulu, Hawaii, Oahu |
| Military Branch | United States Air Force |
| Size | 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) |
| Major Units | 15th Wing, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard |
| Aircraft | Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, F-22 Raptor |
| Base Facilities | Hickam Field, Administration Building, Base Exchange, Fitness Center |
Conclusion
Hickam Air Force Base is a significant military installation in the Pacific, with a rich history dating back to World War II. The base is home to a variety of aircraft and military units, and plays a critical role in global military operations. Whether you’re a military personnel, a civilian, or simply interested in military history, Hickam AFB is an important place to visit and learn about.
