In the early 1900s, Hawaii’s location presented an ideal base from which to promote and monitor U.S. interests in the Far East, and Pearl Harbor was built. In 1911, the USS California was the first of the large warships to enter Pearl Harbor. In 1917, the War Department procured land on nearby Ford Island, and the U.S. Army built an air facility called Luke Field. Six years later, the U.S. Navy bought the land on the other side of the island and created a naval facility. The naval and air units co-existed side-by-side for many years until they each outgrew their available space. Consequently, the Army Air Corps built a new air base. It was completed and activated in 1938 under the name of Hickam Field.

Housing

Housing is provided through a public-private association. There are more than 4,000 housing units but, given the ratio of personnel to units, housing is somewhat limited. Housing applications are coordinated by the Family Housing Office. The office also assists with off-base housing, and it provides listings of temporary accommodations in neighboring communities and Honolulu.