MCAS Kaneohe HI

• Pearl Harbor Attack: On December 7, 1941, MCAS Kaneohe Bay (then Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay) was attacked by Japanese forces just minutes before Pearl Harbor, suffering significant damage and casualties. • First American Casualty: The first American killed in the Pacific Theater of World War II was Seaman First Class Raymond H. Johnson at Kaneohe Bay, moments before the main attack on Pearl Harbor. • Submarine Patrol Base: During World War II, Kaneohe Bay served as a key base for PBY Catalina seaplanes conducting anti-submarine patrols throughout the Pacific. • Transition to Marine Corps: In 1952, the base was transferred from the Navy to the Marine Corps, becoming Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay (MCAS Kaneohe Bay). • Home of Marine Aircraft Group 24: MCAS Kaneohe Bay is the home of Marine Aircraft Group 24, which operates a variety of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. • Scenic Location: The air station is situated on the Mokapu Peninsula, surrounded by picturesque beaches, mountains, and coral reefs, making it one of the most beautiful military installations in the world. • Filming Location: The base and its surroundings have been featured in numerous films and television shows, including "Battleship" and "Hawaii Five-0." • Joint Base: The installation is part of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, which also hosts Army, Navy, and Air Force elements, supporting joint operations across the Pacific. • Endangered Species Habitat: The Mokapu Peninsula is home to several endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal and native bird populations, leading to active conservation efforts on base. • Strategic Importance: MCAS Kaneohe Bay plays a vital role in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command operations, serving as a staging area for rapid deployment and humanitarian assistance missions throughout the Pacific region.