Wheeler Army Airfield, located in Wahiawa, Hawaii, is a United States Army post and airfield that has been in operation since 1941. The base is situated approximately 20 miles northwest of Honolulu, the state capital of Hawaii, and is nestled in the central part of the island of Oahu. Wheeler Army Airfield is home to the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii and serves as a key installation for the U.S. Army in the Pacific region.
History of Wheeler Army Airfield
Wheeler Army Airfield has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The airfield was originally constructed in 1922 as a territorial guard airfield and was named after Major Sheldon H. Wheeler, a U.S. Army Air Corps officer who was killed in a plane crash in 1921. During World War II, the airfield played a significant role in the defense of Hawaii and was used as a base for fighter aircraft. In the post-war period, Wheeler Army Airfield continued to serve as a key installation for the U.S. Army in the Pacific, with a focus on helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operations.
Base Facilities and Amenities
Wheeler Army Airfield offers a range of facilities and amenities to support the needs of military personnel and their families. The base has a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, and barracks. Additionally, the base has a number of community facilities, including a commissary, exchange, fitness center, and community center. The base also has a number of recreational facilities, including a golf course, bowling alley, and outdoor recreation center.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Commissary | Full-service grocery store offering discounted prices on groceries and household items |
| Exchange | Retail store offering a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods |
| Fitness Center | State-of-the-art fitness facility with cardio equipment, free weights, and group fitness classes |
| Community Center | Facility offering a range of community programs and activities, including classes, workshops, and events |
Units and Commands
Wheeler Army Airfield is home to a number of U.S. Army units and commands, including the 25th Infantry Division, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii. The base also serves as a headquarters for the U.S. Army Pacific, which is responsible for U.S. Army operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Training and Operations
Wheeler Army Airfield is a busy training and operational base, with a focus on helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operations. The base is home to a number of U.S. Army aviation units, including the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, and the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. The base also hosts a number of training exercises and events throughout the year, including the annual Tropic Lightning exercise, which brings together U.S. Army units from across the Pacific region for a series of training scenarios and exercises.
The base's training facilities include a number of helicopter simulators, which provide realistic and immersive training environments for U.S. Army aviators. The base also has a number of aircraft maintenance facilities, which provide support for U.S. Army aircraft operations in the Pacific region.
| Unit | Mission |
|---|---|
| 25th Infantry Division | Light infantry division with a focus on jungle warfare and counterinsurgency operations |
| 2nd Brigade Combat Team | Infantry brigade combat team with a focus on armored and mechanized operations |
| U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii | Installation management and support for U.S. Army units in Hawaii |
What is the climate like at Wheeler Army Airfield?
+The climate at Wheeler Army Airfield is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. The base experiences a wet season from November to March, with most of the rainfall occurring during this period.
What are the housing options like at Wheeler Army Airfield?
+Wheeler Army Airfield offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, and barracks. The base has a number of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities.
What are the job opportunities like at Wheeler Army Airfield?
+Wheeler Army Airfield has a range of job opportunities, including positions in aviation, logistics, and administration. The base also has a number of civilian job opportunities, including positions in healthcare, education, and engineering.
Overall, Wheeler Army Airfield is a unique and dynamic installation that plays a critical role in the U.S. Army’s operations in the Pacific region. The base offers a range of facilities and amenities to support the needs of military personnel and their families, and is home to a number of U.S. Army units and commands. Whether you are a military personnel, a family member, or a civilian employee, Wheeler Army Airfield is a great place to live and work.
