A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the flight line underneath a rainbow at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 18, 2022. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker)
Graphic designed to designate the newcomer information portion of the 15th Wing's AFPIMS website. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker)
Hangar 2 holds multiple Force Support agencies from both the 15th Wing and 647th Force Support Squadron that serve all Airmen at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 18, 2022. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker)

JBPHH is currently under HPCON Level BRAVO

Now required to verify current vaccination status for all visitors via CDC vaccination card or DD Form 3150.  Unvaccinated visitors must provide

proof of a negative COVID test.

 Unvaccinated members are required to provide negative test results at least once weekly or within three days of entering 15 WG facilities to their

supervisors.

In conjunction with INDOPACOM and PACAF Guidance, masks are currently NOT required indoors at HPCON BRAVO with the exception of medical facilities.

Individual commanders may be more restrictive within their work centers if conditions necessitate.  We should continue to follow COVID risk mitigation

measures like utilizing hand sanitizer and maintaining a 6' distance.

Note that individual tenants and base services may be more restrictive in mask wear policy, especially in high risk locations. 

Please continue to follow city and state guidance when off installation.

All personnel and patrons will comply with CDC and installation guidance.

 

 

History of Hickam Field, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii

In 1934, the Army Air Corps saw the need for another airfield in Hawaii and assigned the Quartermaster Corps the job of constructing a modern airdrome from tangled brush and sugar cane fields adjacent to Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. The site selected consisted of 2,200 acres of ancient coral reef, covered by a thin layer of soil, located between Oahu's Waianae and Koolau mountain ranges, with the Pearl Harbor channel and naval reservation marking its western and northern boundaries, John Rodgers Airport to the east, and Fort Kamehameha on the south. The new airfield was dedicated on 31 May 1935 and named in honor of Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickam (pictured), a distinguished aviation pioneer who was killed in an aircraft accident on 5 November 1934, at Fort Crockett in Galveston, Texas.

While construction was still in progress, the first contingent of twelve men and four aircraft under the command of 1st Lt. Robert Warren moved from Luke Field on Ford Island to Hickam on 1 September 1937. Hickam Field, as it was then known, was completed and officially activated on 15 September 1938. It was the principal army airfield in Hawaii and the only one large enough to accommodate the B-17 bomber.

In connection with defense plans for the Pacific, aircraft were brought to Hawaii throughout 1941 to prepare for potential hostilities. The first mass flight of bombers (21 B-17Ds) from Hamilton Field, California, arrived at Hickam on 14 May 1941. By December 1941, the Hawaiian Air Force had been an integrated command for slightly more than one year and consisted of 754 officers and 6,706 enlisted men, with 233 aircraft assigned at its three primary bases on Oahu (Hickam, Wheeler, and Bellows Fields).

When the Japanese attacked Oahu's military installations on 7 December 1941, Hickam suffered extensive property damage, aircraft losses, and personnel casualties totaling 139 killed and 303 wounded. The bombing and strafing of Hickam Field was an important objective, because the success of the Japanese attack on the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor was dependent on eliminating air opposition and precluding US planes from following their aircraft back to their carriers and bombing the task force. During the war years, the base played a major role in pilot training and aircraft assembly work, in addition to seeing as a supply center for both air and ground troops. Hickam served as the hub of the Pacific aerial network, supporting transient aircraft ferrying troops and supplies to, and evacuating wounded from, the forward areas, not only during World War II but also during the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War.

After World War II, the Air Force in Hawaii was primarily comprised of the Air Transport Command and its successor, the Military Air Transport Service, until I July 1957 when Headquarters Far East Air Forces completed its move from Japan to Hawaii and was redesignated the Pacific Air Forces. The 6486th Air Base Wing (1957-1971) and the 15th Air Base Wing (later the 15th Airlift Wing as of 2003, then 15th Wing as of 2010) (1971-current), the host units at Hickam Air Force Base (AFB), supported the Apollo astronauts in the 1960s and 1970s; Operation Homecoming (return of prisoners of war from Vietnam) in 1973; Operation Babylift/New Life (movement of nearly 94,000 orphans, refugees, and evacuees from Southeast Asia) in 1975; and NASA's space shuttle flights during the 1980s, continuing into the 1990s.

In October 1980, the Secretary of the Interior designated Hickam AFB as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing it as one of the nation's most significant historic resources associated with World War II in the Pacific. A bronze plaque reflecting Hickam's "national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America" took its place among other memorials surrounding the base flagpole. Dominating the area is a large bronze tablet engraved with the names of those who died as a result of the 7 December 1941 attack.

Other reminders of the attack can be seen at Hickam today, including the tattered American flag that flew over the base that morning. It is encased and on display in the lobby of the Pacific Air Forces Headquarters building, where bullet-scarred walls have been carefully preserved as a constant reminder to never again be caught unprepared.

(Current as of June 2010)

15th Wing Public Affairs
800 Scott Circle, JBPHH HI 96818
(808)-789-7031
15wg.pa@us.af.mil
 
For 15th Wing Public Affairs Support
Download, fill out, and email an AF 833 to request PA support
 
For Official Portraits
Mr. Charles Anthony, JBPHH/PA
808-473-2926
charles.j.anthony.civ@us.navy.mil
 
For Noise Complaints
Submit a complaint by following this link

 

 

Senior Airman Jolan Besse, 535th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, operates the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III during an airdrop for the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show featured static displays, aerial performances and aircraft demonstrations to show appreciation for the support given by the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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Members from the Flying Leathernecks Demonstration Skydiving team exit a C-17 Globemaster III during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The airshow kicked off with an aerial performance by 16 members of the team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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Members from the Flying Leathernecks Demonstration Skydiving team prepare to exit a C-17 Globemaster III to perform in the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The airshow consisted of many demonstrations by civilian performers and several military aircrews highlighting aircraft operations and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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Airmen assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron pose for a photo with members from the Flying Leathernecks Demonstration Skydiving team before the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The airshow kicked off with an aerial performance by 16 members of the team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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Spectators view a flight demonstration from a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The airshow was held to show MCBH’s appreciation for the local community’s support and to continue fostering positive relations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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F-18 Hornets assigned to the Blue Angels, a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron and F-22 Raptors assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard participate in the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The three-day event featured performances by several military aircrews, demonstrating aircraft operations and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron takes off during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to main operating bases or to forwarding bases in deployment areas. (U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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Capt. Christopher Abrahamsen and Maj. Jeremy Smith, 535th Airlift Squadron pilots, land during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The U.S. Pacific Air Forces C-17 Globemaster III demo team showcased the capabilities of the aircraft by executing high-angle take-offs, high-speed passes, low-speed configured passes, 360-degree maneuvers and an assault landing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Abrahamsen, 535th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot conducts a preflight check before performing a C-17 Globemaster III demonstration at the Kaneohe Bay Air show at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The air show featured static displays, aerial performances and aircraft demonstrations to show appreciation for the support given by the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

Team Hickam participates in K-Bay Air Show

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Hickam Airmen work alongside Airmen from Travis Air Force Base, California, and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, during an aeromedical evacuation at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 27, 2022. Airmen from all three installations came together to provide time sensitive, critical en route care to patients during a flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) (Image altered for PII purposes) Urgent care in the air

Urgent care in the air

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Staff Sgt. Abigail Rodriguez, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Detachment 1, Noncommissioned officer in charge, loads medical equipment for an Aeromedical Evacuation Mission at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 27, 2022. The primary mission of the 18th AES is to support medical operations in the Indo- Pacific region during wartime, various contingencies, and natural disaster relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) (Image altered for PII purposes) Urgent care in the air

Urgent care in the air

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Hickam Airmen work alongside Airmen from Travis Air Force Base, California, and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, to transport a patient onto a C-17 Globemaster III during an Aeromedical Evacuation Mission at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 27, 2022. Airmen are prepared to administer life-saving medical care to patients while in the air flying to a medical center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Urgent care in the air

Urgent care in the air

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Airmen assigned to the 15th Medical Group, En Route Patient Staging Element load a patient onto a C-17 Globemaster III during an Aeromedical Evacuation Mission at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 27, 2022. Airmen are prepared to administer life- saving medical care to patients while in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Urgent care in the air

Urgent care in the air

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Hickam Airmen work alongside Airmen from Travis Air Force Base, California, and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, during an aeromedical evacuation at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 27, 2022. Airmen from all three installations came together to provide time sensitive, mission critical en route care to patients during a flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) Urgent care in the air

Urgent care in the air

See More
Lt. Col. Paul Lopez, 19th Fighter Squadron commander, demonstrated equipment that F-22 Raptor pilots take with them on flights at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 28, 2022. During the tour, Lopez educated guests about the technological advances that have been implemented on the fighter jet, allowing it to be fully capable of operational concepts vital to the requirements of the Air Force mission in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker) OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

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A student with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Aerospace Career Education Academy wears a 19th Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor helmet during a tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 28, 2022. Lt. Col. Paul Lopez, 19th FS commander, briefed on the squadron’s history, aircraft and mission in the Indo-Pacific during the tour. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker) OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

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Visitors from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Aerospace Career Education Academy try a bite sleeve during a military working dog demonstration at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 28, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 647th Security Force Squadron performed detection and detainment training, demonstrating the MWD’s utilization and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker) OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

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Airman Miya Lyons, 15th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment apprentice, adjusts night vision goggles on an Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Aerospace Career Education Academy visitor during a base tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 28, 2022. OBAP provides kids between the ages of 13-18 different opportunities in aerospace by supporting, mentoring and educating members and communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

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A member from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Aerospace Career Education Academy dons a life jacket during a brief on safety equipment outfitted in different aircraft during a base tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 28, 2022. OBAP was founded in 1976, and has since encouraged diversity in the avionics industry by supporting aspiring aviation professionals through a series of scholarships, mentoring, training and education programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

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Staff Sgt. Benjamin Soto Garcia, 15th Operations Support Squadron airfield management operations supervisor, identifies a C-17 Globemaster III to members of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals as it lands at Hickam Airfield at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 28, 2022. The goal of OBAP is to educate children between the ages of 13-18 to opportunities that exist in the aviation industry. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper) OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

OBAP’s ACE academy visits the 15th Wing

See More