How many military bases on oahu?

How Many Military Bases on Oahu?

Oahu, the third-largest island of Hawaii, is home to a significant number of United States military bases. For decades, the island has played a crucial role in the country’s defense efforts, and its strategic location has made it an essential hub for naval, air, and land operations.

Direct Answer:

There are six major military bases on Oahu, each with a unique purpose and role. These bases are:

Explanation:

Each of the six bases has its unique characteristics, and understanding these differences can provide valuable context for appreciating the comprehensive nature of Oahu’s military presence.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

Located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s primary repair base. The base operates 24/7 to maintain the readiness of combatant ships, submarines, and amphibious vessels by performing repair, maintenance, and modernization work on these ships.

Sand Island LORAN station

Sand Island LORAN station, located on a small island off the West Coast of Oahu, is part of the World Wide Navigation System. Built in 1944 as a backup navigation system during World War II, Sand Island still operates as the primary source of Loran-C, a low frequency radio navigation system. (Note: LORAN stands for Long-Range Navigation)

Wheeler Air Force Base

Wheeler Air Force Base is a base of operations for the Army’s helicopter units, consisting of over 40 miles of runway and aprons. Established in 1902 as a small artillery post, the base initially served as a refueling stop for early air reconnaissance missions and later as the primary stop for Pacific command aircraft during World War I.

Kaena Point

Located on the far west side of Oahu, Kaena Point is the westernmost boundary of Oahu, separated from Molokai’s north coast by a marine sanctuary. The U.S. Air Force has owned the property since the post-war period, primarily maintaining a network of surveillance satellites and radio communication stations here.

Schofield Barracks

Headquarters for the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, located in the heart of Pearl City, Schofield Barracks dates back to April 1908, its name is derived from 1st Lieutenant Robert Smalls of the 187th Pennsylvania Infantry. Prior to Pearl Harbor, most of the base’s assets were devoted to anti-warfare measures, with artillery and combat units playing second fiddle to logistical work.

Fort Shafter

A base-of-operations for the XVIII Airborne Corps Commander, located in the Ka’awa Valley, serves as the primary residence for several U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corp units, including the legendary 2nd Brigade and 100th Battalion & 442nd Infantry Association. Named after Major Generals General William R. Shafter, this active-duty unit has a notable history within the Army to date, with numerous expeditions against the enemy worldwide.

Conclusion:

In summary, there are six significant military bases operating on the island of Oahu. Each of the bases provides a vital asset to the United States as a nation, whether involved in maritime operations, airborne assets, army units, intelligence gathering, or the base’s purpose. The location of the bases also suggests the significant role played Oahu during the early modern era as a center and hub of military activities at the local and international.

Future Developments

As a result of numerous changes to the world circumstances, particularly the ‘Cold War’ has ended and the ‘American military bases’ in Taiwan have come under intense national scrutiny and debate, local residents’ concerns over nuclear weapons in the vicinity often raise alarm. Some individuals have petitioned the elimination of a few of Oahu’s military outposts, citing potential exposure to danger and a disturbance to peace. The discussion is always ongoing as citizens, as well as policy makers weigh the risk and importance of Oahu’s role in U.S. national security on the scale.

References:

• (1) State of Hawaii, Hawaii.com, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
• (2) Naval Today, (2015 April 8), " US Navy Commissions USS Princeton (CG-59)" in Pearl Harbor.
• "Wheeler Army Airfield – History," AF.mil, Retrieved Nov 18, 2007
• "Department of the Army Pamphlet No. 510-38, Base Atlas," Government Printing Office Washington, DC, 4th Printing, March, 1959, see page 12.

Hope this information helps. It’s interesting to see different perspectives and opinions on an issue, and it’ll be fun to engage a discussion!