Wheeler Air Base

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Nestled in the heart of central Oʻahu, Wheeler Air Base stands as a testament to American military aviation history, a site that has witnessed extraordinary moments of triumph, tragedy, and transformation. Established on February 6, 1922, by a small detachment of 20 enlisted men under 1st Lt. William T. Agee, this military installation began as a modest clearing on the former 17th Cavalry Regiment drill grounds at Schofield Barracks. Within a month, they had transformed the landscape, creating a landing strip that would become a pivotal location in the narrative of American aerial warfare.

Historic Milestones and Aviation Firsts

Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, Wheeler Field emerged as the principal Army Air Corps field in Hawaiʻi. The base became a crucible of aviation innovation, hosting numerous historic flights and serving as a launching point for groundbreaking aerial achievements. By 1940, it had evolved into a primary base for Army Air Corps pursuit aircraft, particularly the P-40 Warhawk, which was responsible for the air defense of the Hawaiian Islands Territory.

The Defining Moment: December 7, 1941

Wheeler Air Base would become forever etched in American military history on the morning of December 7, 1941. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the base was a primary target. Twenty-five dive bombers dropped approximately 35 bombs on the hangars, transforming the airfield into a catastrophic scene of destruction. The attack was swift and devastating:

• 38 enlisted men were killed
• 59 men were wounded
• 83 aircraft were destroyed
• The flight line became a "river of fire"

Despite the overwhelming assault, a few brave American pilots managed to get airborne. Four fighters from the 47th Pursuit Squadron, including 2nd Lts. Ken Taylor and George Welch, took to the skies and engaged the Japanese aircraft, scoring some of the first American victories of World War II.

Post-War Transformation

After World War II, Wheeler underwent significant changes. In 1947, with the establishment of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service, it was redesignated as Wheeler Air Force Base. The installation experienced periods of reduced activity, being placed on caretaker status in 1949 but reactivated during the Korean War in 1952.

🏛️ Note: In August 1987, the Secretary of the Interior designated Wheeler as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its profound significance in U.S. military history.

On November 1, 1991, control of the installation returned to the U.S. Army, and it was renamed Wheeler Army Airfield. Today, its primary mission continues to be providing operational support and aerial combat units in the Asia-Pacific area of command.

Wheeler Air Base represents more than just a military installation. It is a living monument to American aviation history, a site where courage, innovation, and resilience converge. From pioneering flights to critical wartime defense, this remarkable location has played an instrumental role in shaping the narrative of American military aviation.