Hickam AFB

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About Hickam AFB

Hickam Air Force Base, located near Honolulu, Hawaii, was officially activated on September 15, 1938, and named in honor of aviation pioneer Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickam. The base played a pivotal role during World War II, suffering heavy damage during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction of aircraft. Throughout the Cold War and into the present, Hickam has served as a crucial hub for airlift, refueling, and command operations in the Pacific, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions. In 2010, Hickam AFB merged with the U.S. Navy’s Naval Station Pearl Harbor to become part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, continuing its legacy as a strategic military installation in the Pacific region.

Unit Members

Kenneth Herdliska

U.S. Air Force

Hickam AFBView Profile

Kenneth Milhorn

U.S. Air Force

Hickam AFBView Profile

Photos

U.S. Air Force • 1976

stationed at johnson air force base in japan

U.S. Air Force • 1949

About Hickam AFB

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Historic Beginnings: Hickam Air Force Base, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, was officially dedicated on May 31, 1935, and named in honor of Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickam, a pioneer in military aviation who died in a training accident in 1934. • Pearl Harbor Attack: On December 7, 1941, Hickam Field was one of the primary targets during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The base suffered extensive damage, with over 180 personnel killed and nearly 300 wounded. • Historic Control Tower: The original base operations building and control tower, both bombed during the Pearl Harbor attack, still bear bullet and shrapnel scars and are now National Historic Landmarks. • Strategic Airlift Hub: Hickam AFB has long served as a crucial hub for trans-Pacific airlift and logistics, providing support for operations across the Asia-Pacific region. • Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam: In 2010, Hickam AFB merged with the adjacent Naval Station Pearl Harbor to form Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, improving operational efficiency and resource sharing. • VIP Gateway: Hickam serves as the primary aerial port of entry and departure for the U.S. Pacific Command, regularly hosting U.S. presidents, heads of state, and other dignitaries. • Air Force One's Pacific Stop: The base often hosts Air Force One and other high-profile aircraft during presidential visits to the Pacific region. • Home to the 15th Wing: The 15th Wing, responsible for airlift, air refueling, and operational support, is based at Hickam and plays a key role in Pacific air mobility. • Movie and TV Appearances: Due to its historical significance and unique architecture, Hickam AFB has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "Pearl Harbor" (2001) and "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970). • Heritage Celebrated: The base commemorates its history with annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and maintains several memorials, including tributes to those lost during the Pearl Harbor attack.