How Many Military Bases in Hawaii?
Hawaii is often referred to as the "Crossroads of the Pacific" due to its strategic location in the Pacific Ocean. As a result, the state has played a significant role in the United States’ military history, with numerous military bases spread across the islands. But just how many military bases are there in Hawaii?
Direct Answer:
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there are over 30 military bases in Hawaii. These bases are operated by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, among other branches. In this article, we’ll explore the various military bases in Hawaii, their purposes, and their locations.
Major Military Bases in Hawaii:
Here’s a list of some of the major military bases in Hawaii:
| Base | Location | Branch |
|---|---|---|
| Schofield Barracks | Wahiawa, Oahu | Army |
| Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard | Pearl Harbor, Oahu | Navy |
| Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam | Pearl Harbor, Oahu | Joint |
| Hickam Air Force Base | Pearl Harbor, Oahu | Air Force |
| Marine Corps Base Hawaii | Kaneohe, Oahu | Marine Corps |
| Fort Shafter | Honolulu, Oahu | Army |
| Camp Smith | Halawa Heights, Oahu | Army |
Breakdown by Branch:
Here’s a breakdown of the number of military bases in Hawaii by branch:
• Army: 5 bases (Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, Camp Smith, and others)
• Navy: 4 bases (Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and others)
• Air Force: 3 bases (Hickam Air Force Base, other)
• Marine Corps: 2 bases (Marine Corps Base Hawaii, others)
• Coast Guard: 1 base (other)
Specialized Bases:
In addition to the major military bases, there are several specialized bases in Hawaii that cater to specific military needs:
• Electronic Warfare and Cyber Operations: The Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is home to the Navy’s Information Warfare Directorate, which is responsible for electronic warfare and cyber operations.
• Intelligence and Surveillance: The Navy’s Pacific Fleet Intelligence Center is located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, providing intelligence and surveillance support to naval operations.
• Aerial Refueling: The Hickam Air Force Base is home to the 205th Air Refueling Squadron, which provides aerial refueling services to military aircraft.
Economic Impact:
The military bases in Hawaii have a significant economic impact on the state. According to a 2020 report by the U.S. Department of Defense, the military presence in Hawaii generates:
• $13.8 billion in economic output annually
• 114,000 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) in Hawaii’s economy
• $2.3 billion in payroll annually
Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite the economic benefits, the military presence in Hawaii also poses challenges. Some of the key issues include:
• Housing shortages: The demand for military housing in Hawaii is high, leading to shortages and affordability issues for service members and their families.
• Environmental concerns: Military bases in Hawaii are surrounded by sensitive ecosystems, which can be vulnerable to pollution and other environmental impacts.
• Tensions between military and local communities: There can be tensions between military personnel and local residents, particularly when it comes to noise pollution, base expansion, and other issues.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there are over 30 military bases in Hawaii, with each base serving a specific purpose and location. The bases play a significant role in the state’s economy, generating billions of dollars in economic output and creating thousands of jobs. However, there are also challenges to be addressed, including housing shortages, environmental concerns, and tensions between military personnel and local communities.
