ABOUT CINPAC Hdq. Hawaii
- Establishment: CINCPAC (Commander in Chief, Pacific) Headquarters was established during World War II to oversee all U.S. military operations in the Pacific theater.
- Pearl Harbor Attack: CINCPAC Headquarters played a crucial role in the aftermath of the December 7, 1941, attack, coordinating the Pacific Fleet’s response and recovery.
- Admiral Chester W. Nimitz: The legendary Admiral Nimitz led CINCPAC from Hawaii, orchestrating pivotal victories such as the Battle of Midway.
- Underground Bunker: The headquarters operated out of an underground bunker (the “CINCPAC Fleet Headquarters Building”) at Pearl Harbor, designed to withstand air raids and bombardment.
- Wartime Planning: Critical operations, including the island-hopping campaign and the planning of major battles, were coordinated from CINCPAC Headquarters.
- Intelligence Hub: The headquarters was a center for intelligence gathering and codebreaking, including efforts that contributed to the U.S. victory at Midway.
- Historic Visitors: CINCPAC Hdq. hosted numerous high-profile visitors, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
- Post-War Role: After WWII, CINCPAC Headquarters transitioned to oversee U.S. interests during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
- Modern Evolution: Today, CINCPAC is known as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), still headquartered in Hawaii, playing a vital strategic role.
- Historic Landmark: The original headquarters building is now a National Historic Landmark, preserved as a symbol of U.S. military heritage in the Pacific.