Header background image representing the lush island of Oahu.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii History

A historical image representing the history of Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The History of the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) has been an evolving one. Since the first permanent garrison of Marines established itself in Hawaii in 1904, the Marine Corps has proudly maintained a presence on the island of Oahu.

A historical image representing the history of Marine Corps Base Hawaii of a 4 engine prop plane flying over Oahu.

The mission of MCBH is to provide forward-based, sustainable and secure training and operational support, facilities, and services to enable operational forces to accomplish their mission.

After decades of modernization, MCBH provides a broad range of support functions and facilities on one of the farthest extensions of American soil, producing readiness, promoting resiliency, protecting resources and projecting power into the Indo-Asia Pacific region and beyond.

Now, home to almost 10,000 Marines, sailors, and over 6,000 family members, MCBH continues to play a significant role in Hawaii.

Historical Timeline of the Marine Corps Base Hawaii

1918

Installation Commisioned as Fort Kuwaaohe Army Military Reservation

The installation was commissioned as Fort Kuwaaohe Army Military Reservation, consisting of 332 acres, later to be named Fort Hase, and served as a defense battalion of the Windward Coastal Artillery Command.

1939

Construction of Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay Commenced

December 1941

Attack on Air Station

December 7th, the Japanese Navy attack the air station at 7:52 a.m., 8 minutes prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

1949

The U.S. Navy decommissioned Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay

1951

Marine Corps Assume Control

The Marine Corps assumed control of both Fort Hase and the air station after landowner, Mr. Harold K. Castle, refused to take back the property; citing it was important to maintain a military base on the windward side of Oahu for defense and economic continuity.

1952

U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay was officially commissioned.

1960 – 1990

Succession of Marine Corps Fighters

Marine Corps Air Station was home to a succession of Marine Corps fighters including F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom and F/A-18 Hornet.

1994

The Marine Corps consolidated all its installations and facilities in Hawaii under a single command, identified as Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

2011

MCBH aligned under Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Japan.

Source: Marine Corps Base Hawaii website.

To see the history of the Blue Angels, click here.

Mahalo to our Sponsors

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Chaminade University of Honolulu Sponsor Logo
Farmers Insurance Sponsor Logo
Hawaiian Electric Sponsor Logo and Sponsor of the Kaneohe Bay Air Show STEM Zone.
Menehune Water Company Sponsor Logo
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park Sponsor Logo

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