Camp H. M. Smith

Camp H. M. Smith. Camp H. M. Smith is a United States Marine Corps installation located in Halawa Heights on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), the oldest and largest of the unified combatant commands, and for Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC). The camp's strategic positioning and resident commands make it a critical nerve center for American military operations and security cooperation across the vast Indo-Pacific region.

History

The site's military history began during World War II when the United States Navy constructed a hospital there, initially known as the Aiea Naval Hospital, to treat casualties from the Pacific War. Following the war, the facility was redesignated and in 1955 was renamed in honor of General Holland McTyeire "Howlin' Mad" Smith, a pivotal figure in the development of Marine Corps amphibious warfare doctrine. The camp's role evolved significantly in 1957 when the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command (CINCPAC) headquarters moved from Pearl Harbor to this location, cementing its status as a senior command post. This legacy continued with the command's redesignation as USINDOPACOM in 2018.

Facilities and units

The installation houses the primary command centers for its two major tenants. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command headquarters, often referred to as the "PACOM" building, is the operational hub from which the commander oversees all U.S. military activity in the theater. The Marine Forces Pacific command, led by a lieutenant general, coordinates all Marine Corps forces west of the Mississippi River. Other key facilities include the Joint Intelligence Operations Center, Pacific and the Marine Corps Base Hawaii headquarters. The camp also contains essential support structures such as the Halsey Field House gymnasium and the Smith Theater.

Role and significance

As the headquarters for USINDOPACOM, the camp is the focal point for executing American defense strategy and deterrence policy across 36 nations, from the U.S. West Coast to the western border of India. The commander, typically a four-star officer from the United States Navy or United States Air Force, reports directly to the President of the United States through the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Its work is central to maintaining alliances with key partners like Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Australia, and managing strategic challenges, including those posed by the People's Liberation Army and the Korean People's Army. The co-location with MARFORPAC ensures tight integration of naval and marine forces in line with concepts like Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.

Geography and location

The camp is situated in the community of Halawa Heights, part of the City and County of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. It occupies a prominent, elevated position overlooking Pearl Harbor to the west and Honolulu to the south, providing both strategic visibility and a degree of physical security. This location places it in close proximity to other major military installations, including Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay, and Schofield Barracks. The terrain is characterized by the verdant slopes of the Koolau Range, and the climate is typical of central Oahu.

Category:United States Marine Corps bases Category:Headquarters of unified combatant commands Category:Buildings and structures in Honolulu County, Hawaii