The Legacy of Hickam Field:

Our Namesake's Story

At Hickam Elementary School, our roots are deeply intertwined with the rich history of Hickam Field and the remarkable person it's named after, Lieutenant Colonel Horace Meek Hickam. Understanding this legacy helps our students and community feel a strong connection to this special place and the brave people who helped shape its past. This page shares the important story of Hickam Field and its namesake.

Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickam: A Visionary Pioneer

Our school's identity begins with Lieutenant Colonel Horace Meek Hickam (1885-1934), a respected American Army Air Corps officer. Lt. Col. Hickam was a forward-thinking leader who understood how important air power would become for our country's defense. His dedication to military aviation greatly influenced the U.S. Air Force we know today.

Sadly, Lt. Col. Hickam passed away in an aircraft accident on November 5, 1934. To honor his big ideas and important work in air travel, Hickam Air Field was named after him. His spirit of looking ahead, leading others, and his strong commitment continue to inspire us at Hickam Elementary.

The Evolution of Hickam Field: A Detailed History

Hickam Field, now known as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, has played a very important role in the military history of the United States, especially in the Pacific.

1. Getting Started and Building the Base (1934–1938)

1934: The U.S. Army Air Corps chose land next to Pearl Harbor to build a large airfield and bomber base, understanding how important Hawaii was for defense.

1935: Construction began, and the base was named Hickam Field to honor Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickam.

1938: Hickam Field was officially opened. It was built to support large aircraft and was one of the most advanced airfields of its time.

2. World War II and the Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941)

December 7, 1941: Hickam Field was one of the main places attacked during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

The base faced a lot of damage.

Many brave service members were impacted during the attack.

Many aircraft were destroyed or damaged.

This attack showed how important airfields were in modern defense.

3. After the War and During the Cold War (1945–1990)

1947: When the U.S. Air Force was created, Hickam Field became Hickam Air Force Base.

It became a key place for air transport operations in the Pacific, helping with flights and supplies.

During the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Hickam was a vital stop for U.S. military operations in Asia, helping troops and supplies move efficiently.

4. Getting Modern and Becoming a Joint Base (1990–Present)

Hickam continued to grow with modern buildings and improved runways.

2005: A process called Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) led to the idea of combining Hickam AFB and Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

2010: They officially became Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH). This brought together Air Force and Navy operations under one command.

JBPHH became home to important headquarters and units that support air travel and defense in the Pacific.

5. What it Does Today

JBPHH is a very important part of the U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.

It supports air operations, watches over areas, handles supplies, helps with humanitarian missions, and acts as a key base for military efforts in the Pacific.

The base often hosts joint exercises and works with other countries.

Hickam Field Today: A Living Legacy

Today, Hickam Field continues to be a crucial part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, serving as an essential center for military operations, helping people in need, and working with partners around the world in the Indo-Pacific region. Our school proudly stands on this historic ground, carrying forward the legacy of its namesake and the base.

The spirit of smart thinking, dedication, and service that defined Lt. Col. Horace M. Hickam and the history of Hickam Field continues to inspire our students at Hickam Elementary. It reminds us all of the importance of Honor, Excellence, Aloha, Resiliency, and Teamwork in everything we do.

The Legacy of Hickam Field:

Our Namesake's Story

Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickam: A Visionary Pioneer

The Evolution of Hickam Field: A Detailed History

Hickam Field Today: A Living Legacy

HICKAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

825 Manzelman Circle, Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone: (808) 307-4600 | Fax: (808) 421-4157