Bellows AFS

• Strategic Location: Bellows Air Force Station (AFS) is located on the eastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, making it a significant site for coastal defense and training operations due to its proximity to major Pacific routes. • World War II Origins: Originally established in 1917 as Waimanalo Military Reservation, it was expanded and renamed Bellows Field in 1933, serving as a key airfield during World War II. • Pearl Harbor Attack Involvement: Bellows Field was attacked by Japanese aircraft on December 7, 1941, the same day as Pearl Harbor. Two U.S. pilots were killed, and several aircraft were destroyed or damaged. • Glider Training Hub: During WWII, Bellows Field became a major training center for glider pilots, providing essential preparation for airborne operations in the Pacific theater. • Namesake: The airfield is named after Lieutenant Franklin Barney Bellows, a World War I pilot killed in action in France in 1918. • Runway Evolution: Bellows once had two runways, but after WWII, flight operations ceased, and the site transitioned to non-flying military uses, though the runways are still visible today. • Cold War Role: The base served as a communications and missile tracking station during the Cold War, supporting various Air Force and Department of Defense missions. • NASA Collaboration: In the 1960s, Bellows AFS supported NASA’s Apollo program by providing communications support for space missions. • Recreational Area: Today, Bellows AFS is renowned for its recreational facilities, offering cabins, camping, and beach access to military personnel and their families. • Environmental Stewardship: Bellows AFS is home to several endangered species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal and native sea turtles, and the base actively participates in conservation efforts.