Wheeler Army Airfield

Wheeler Army Airfield Base in Wahiawa, HI

Wheeler Army Airfield was established in 1922 with a small detachment of 20 enlisted men from Luke Field. This small working party was tasked with clearing the area, building housing and erecting two canvas hangers in the flying field. The area was officially christened Wheeler Field on November 11, 1922 after the late commander of Luke Field, Major Sheldon H. Wheeler who was killed when his DH-4B crashed on Ford Island the previous year.

In June of 1923 the pace of construction quickened and oil storage tanks, a new flying field, shop hangers and new airplane hangars were all constructed. Despite this expansion in construction it wouldn’t be until 1930 that any permanent structures were erected at Wheeler Field.