Even though Hawaii is a smaller state, its important location in the Pacific makes it a prime spot for military bases.
The state has 6 bases, spread across the island of Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii.
The bases all serve different purposes, and their histories are different as well. Most were founded in the early 1900s, while one was built much later in 1955. They served through important times, including World War II and the aftermath of Pearl Harbor.
Along with typical bases, Hawaii is home to a state-of-the-art medical facility and an “open base” that is used for education and recreation.
Below, you’ll find a brief rundown on each of the six Army bases in Hawaii. In case you’d like to learn more about any specific base, links to the official sites are provided as well.
Read our full article on military bases in Hawaii here.
Army Bases on Oahu
Fort Shafter
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
In Use: 1907- Present
Overall Mission: This Army base hosts the US Army Pacific. It “commands, controls, and supports” all US Army troops who are currently deployed or stations in the Asia/Pacific areas of the world. It serves as a training facility for these soldiers as well.
Units Stationed:
- US Army Pacific
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php
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Fort DeRussy
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
In Use: 1911- 1945
Overall Mission: This is a former base that is now mainly used for tourism and recreational/educational purposes. It is an open base, unlike most that are extremely secure. It is home to the US Army Museum of Hawaii, the Center for Security Studies, the Fort DeRussy Chapel, a hotel, and a recreation building.
Units Stationed:
- Center for Security Studies
- Fort DeRussy Chapel
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php
Schofield Barracks
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
In Use: 1908- Present
Overall Mission: This base aims to train its infantry division for deployment, combat, and counterattack. They also work with Fort Shafter in supporting deployed troops around the world.
Schofield Barracks is also considered the biggest Army base in Hawaii.
Units Stationed:
- 25th Infantry Division
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php
Tripler Medical Center
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
In Use: 1907- Present
Overall Mission: This base is the home of Army Medicine. It aims to provide “responsible and reliable” health care first. It also works to be readiness is improved, lives and saved, and wellness levels are enhanced for US military members, their families, and their entire patient body.
Units Stationed:
- Army medical students
Official Site: https://www.tamc.amedd.army.mil/
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Wheeler Army Airfield
Location: Wahiawa, Hawaii
In Use: 1922- Present
Overall Mission: This is a joint base that is run by the US Air National Guard and the US Army. It focuses on “Command and Control” of nearby airspace and air operations. It is also used for training, ground operations, and is home to air defense teams.
Units Stationed:
- 169th Air Defense Squadron
Official Site: https://www.goang.com/locations/hawaii/wheeler-army-airfield.html
Army Bases on the Big Island
Pohakula Training Center
Location: The island of Hawaii, between the volcanic mountains Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai.
In Use: 1955- Present
Overall Mission: The Pohakula Training Center (PTC) fills many roles for the US Army. They provide airfield support through Bradshaw Army Airfield, as well as logistics, public works, environmental, and cultural support. They have a vision of training soldiers that are “warriors and leaders,” and their ultimate training goal is to “deploy, fight, and win.”
Units Stationed:
- 25th Infantry Division (training purposes)
- 3rd Marine Regiment (training purposes)
- Bradshaw Army Airfield
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/pohakuloa/index.php
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Originally posted on October 3, 2020 @ 3:16 am
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