About this Unit
Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was officially established in 1908 as a key U.S. naval base in the Pacific. Its strategic location made it central to American military operations, most notably on December 7, 1941, when it was the site of the infamous Japanese attack that led the United States into World War II. Throughout the war and the Cold War, Pearl Harbor served as a major hub for fleet logistics, repairs, and operations in the Pacific Theater. Today, NAVSTA Pearl Harbor is part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, continuing its legacy as a vital center for U.S. Navy operations and Indo-Pacific security.
Historical Facts
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Birthplace of the Pacific Fleet: NAVSTA (Naval Station) Pearl Harbor was officially established as a U.S. naval base in 1908, but its development as a major Pacific Fleet headquarters began in the early 20th century, making it the strategic hub for U.S. naval operations in the Pacific.
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Infamous Attack – December 7, 1941: Pearl Harbor is most famous for the surprise attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy, which led to the United States’ entry into World War II. Over 2,400 Americans were killed, and much of the Pacific Fleet was damaged or destroyed.
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Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Today, the base is home to the USS Arizona Memorial and other sites commemorating those lost in the 1941 attack. The sunken battleship remains a tomb for over 1,100 sailors and Marines.
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Naval Shipyard Legacy: The adjacent Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard has been repairing and maintaining the Pacific Fleet's warships since World War I, playing a crucial role in the Pacific War effort by swiftly repairing ships damaged during the 1941 attack.
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The "Battleship Row": The area along the southeastern shore of Ford Island was home to eight U.S. battleships on the morning of the attack. Today, remnants and memorials mark this historic row.
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Underwater Archaeology: The waters of Pearl Harbor still contain sunken ships, aircraft, and artifacts, providing a rich underwater archaeological site studied by historians and divers.
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Active Duty Hub: NAVSTA Pearl Harbor supports over 160 commands and more than 55,000 military and civilian personnel, making it one of the largest military installations in the world.
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Historic Sites: The base includes several National Historic Landmarks, including the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
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Strategic Importance: Pearl Harbor remains a key logistics, command, and operations center for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, supporting naval operations from the U.S. West Coast to the Indian Ocean.
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The "Mighty Mo's" Role: The USS Missouri (BB-63), now permanently berthed at Pearl Harbor, was the site of Japan’s formal surrender in Tokyo Bay, ending World War II. The ship serves as a museum and reminder of the war’s conclusion.
