About this Unit
**US NAD West Oahu (Pearl Harbor) Military History:**
The U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) West Oahu, located near Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, played a crucial role in the logistics and ammunition supply chain for the Pacific Fleet during and after World War II. Established in the early 1940s, the depot was responsible for storing, assembling, and distributing munitions to support naval operations throughout the Pacific theater. Throughout the Cold War, NAD West Oahu continued to modernize and expand its facilities, adapting to the changing needs of the U.S. Navy. Over time, as operational demands shifted, many of the depot’s functions were consolidated or relocated, but its legacy remains an integral part of Pearl Harbor’s military history.
Historical Facts
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Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) West Oahu: The US NAD West Oahu, also known as Naval Magazine Lualualei, is the largest munitions storage facility in the Pacific, supporting Pearl Harbor and the entire Pacific theater.
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Established during WWII: The depot was constructed in the early 1940s, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, as a secure inland site to store and supply munitions away from potential attacks on the harbor itself.
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Strategic Location: Located in the Lualualei Valley on Oahu’s west side, the site was chosen for its natural protection—surrounded by mountains and away from densely populated areas.
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Underground Storage: The facility features extensive underground bunkers and magazines, designed to safely store large quantities of explosives and protect them from aerial attack.
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Railroad Connections: NAD West Oahu once had its own narrow-gauge railroad system, which transported munitions from the depot to Pearl Harbor and other nearby military installations.
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Vital Role in the Pacific: During WWII, the depot supplied munitions for major campaigns, including the Battle of Midway, the Philippines, and other Pacific island operations.
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Cold War Operations: The depot remained active throughout the Cold War, storing and supplying munitions for the US Navy, Air Force, and Army across the Pacific region.
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Environmental Stewardship: The site includes protected Hawaiian cultural sites and endangered species habitats, leading to ongoing environmental and archaeological studies.
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Community Impact: The presence of the depot spurred the growth of nearby communities and provided civilian job opportunities for residents of Oahu.
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Continuing Mission: Today, Naval Magazine Lualualei continues to play a critical role in US Indo-Pacific Command logistics, ensuring rapid ammunition supply and readiness for US and allied forces in the Pacific.