Cold War Hickam Air Force Base

emblem of mats 1502d air transport wing (1955–1966)

after world war ii, air force in hawai‘i consisted of air transport command , successor, military air transport service (mats), until 1 july 1957 when headquarters far east air forces completed move japan hawai‘i , redesignated pacific air forces (pacaf). 15th air base wing, host unit @ hickam afb, supported apollo astronauts in 1960s , 1970s; operation homecoming (return of prisoners of war vietnam) in 1973; operation babylift / new life (movement of 94,000 orphans, refugees, , evacuees southeast asia) in 1975; , nasa s space shuttle flights in 1980s , 1990s. hickam home 65th airlift squadron transports theater senior military leaders throughout world in c-37b , c-40 clipper aircraft. in mid-2003, 15th air base wing (15 abw) converted 15th airlift wing (15 aw) prepared beddown , fly air force s newest transport aircraft, c-17 globemaster iii. first hickam-based c-17 arrived in february 2006, 7 more follow during year. c-17s flown 535th airlift squadron.

hawaii ang 199th fighter interceptor squadron f-102s in maintenance hangar @ hickam, 1976 convair f-102a-30-co delta dagger 54-1373 identifiable, aircraft on static display @ hickam.

on september 16, 1985, secretary of interior designated hickam afb national historic landmark, recognizing key role in world war ii pacific campaign. bronze plaque reflecting hickam s national significance in commemorating history of united states of america took place among other memorials surrounding base flagpole. dominating area large bronze tablet engraved names of died result of 1941 attack. other reminders of attack can still seen. bullet holes mark many buildings in use, including world war ii era hangars , base hospital., including tattered american flag flew on base morning. on display in lobby of pacific air forces headquarters building, bullet-scarred walls (the structure barracks , mess hall known big barracks in 1941) have been preserved reminder never again caught unprepared.