Bellows Field

Bellows Field
USDProfessor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Bellows Field
Location	Waimanalo, Hawaii
Type	Military airfield
Built	1917
Used	1917–present
Controlledby	United States Army (1917–1947), United States Air Force (1947–present)
Garrison	15th Wing (host)

Bellows Field. It is a military installation located on the windward coast of Oahu in Waimanalo, Hawaii. Originally established by the United States Army in 1917, it has served various roles including as an airfield, training ground, and recreation center. The site is historically significant for its role during the attack on Pearl Harbor and is now part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, managed by the United States Air Force.

History

The land was first acquired by the United States Army in 1917 for use as a training and artillery range. Initially named Waimanalo Military Reservation, it was renamed in 1933 for Lieutenant Franklin B. Bellows, a World War I aviator. Its strategic importance grew in the interwar period, leading to the construction of a permanent airfield by the Works Progress Administration in the late 1930s. During the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, it was strafed by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft, with several Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighters of the 44th Fighter Squadron destroyed on the ground. Following World War II, control transferred to the newly formed United States Air Force in 1947, and it later became a key recreation area for military personnel. It was integrated into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in 2010 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process.

Description and facilities

The installation encompasses over 1,500 acres along the scenic coastline of Waimanalo Bay. Its central feature is a 5,000-foot runway, though it is no longer used for regular flight operations. The majority of the area now functions as Bellows Air Force Station, which includes extensive recreational facilities such as cabins, beach cottages, and campgrounds operated by the Armed Forces Recreation Centers. These are available to active-duty members, retirees, and Department of Defense civilians. Other facilities support training exercises for units like the 25th Infantry Division and United States Marine Corps forces from Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The site also houses a small Hawaii Air National Guard detachment and various support buildings.

Environmental and cultural significance

The area is home to several endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal and the green sea turtle, which nest on its beaches. Dune ecosystems and native coastal plants are protected through cooperative agreements with the State of Hawaii and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Culturally, the land contains important archaeological sites, such as ancient Hawaiian fishponds and heiau (temples), which are preserved in consultation with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Waimanalo region has deep historical significance in native Hawaiian history.

Military use and operations

Primary military use today focuses on training and force readiness. The expansive beach and inland areas provide a venue for amphibious assault exercises, often involving the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Naval Special Warfare Command units. The airfield area is occasionally used for Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex training events and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft exercises. It also serves as a forward operating location during major regional exercises like Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Security for the installation is provided by the 15th Wing from Hickam Field.

Future developments

Plans are focused on modernizing infrastructure while balancing military, recreational, and environmental needs. Proposed projects include upgrades to utility systems and recreational lodging under the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. There is ongoing discussion about enhancing support for Pacific Air Forces training initiatives, potentially including improved ranges for United States Army Pacific. Category:Military installations in Hawaii Category:Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Category:Buildings and structures in Honolulu County, Hawaii