Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet Headquarters (World War II) facts for kids
|
CINCPAC Headquarters
|
|
.jpg)
1942 Naval Photograph
|
|
 Location in Hawaii
|
|
| Location | Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1942 |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001295 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | May 28, 1987 |
| Designated NHL | May 28, 1987 |
The CINCPAC Fleet Headquarters is a very important historic building. It is located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This building was built in 1942 during World War II. It was the main office for Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. He was the top commander for the United States Pacific Fleet from 1942 to 1945.
Admiral Nimitz was in charge of all land, sea, and air forces in the Pacific. He led major battles like the Battle of Midway. He also helped free Guam and take over Saipan and Tinian in the Mariana Islands. Because of its important role in World War II, this building became a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
What is the CINCPAC Headquarters Building?
The CINCPAC Fleet Headquarters building is found within Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam. It sits near Interstate H-1 and the Kamehameha Highway. The building is on the north side of Makalapa Drive. It looks out over the lower part of Halawa Stream.
This building is made of strong concrete. It has three stories. It measures about 60 feet by 200 feet (18 by 61 meters). The bottom floor works like a basement. It was designed to be bombproof when it was built. The upper floors have open porches called lanais all around them. These lanais meant there was no need for indoor hallways.
How Was the Headquarters Built?
The building was constructed in 1942. This was part of a huge building project during World War II at Pearl Harbor. The Makalapa area was developed to house many thousands of Navy people. They were on their way to different assignments in the Pacific War.
The Navy planned three main buildings in this area. One was this headquarters building. The other two nearby buildings held intelligence and communications facilities. Admiral Chester Nimitz had his office in this building until 1945. He then moved his headquarters to Guam. This allowed him to be closer to the final stages of the war.
Today, the building is still used. It serves as the main office for the US Navy Pacific Fleet once again.
