Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base and Fort Mears, U.S. Army facts for kids
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Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base and Fort Mears, U.S. Army
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Japanese attack on Dutch Harbor, June 3, 1942. Group of Marines on the alert between attacks
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 Location in Alaska
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| Location | Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska |
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| Area | 1,000 acres (400 ha) |
| Built | 1940 |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002733 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 4, 1985 |
| Designated NHLD | February 4, 1985 |
The Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base and Fort Mears were two important military bases. They were built side-by-side in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. This area is on Amaknak Island in the Aleutian Islands. The United States built them because of the growing threat from Japan during World War II. Planning for the bases started in 1938. Construction began in July 1940. The first United States Army soldiers arrived in June 1941. A new air base built by the United States Navy was ready by September 1941. When the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor happened, these were the only military bases in the Aleutian Islands.
On June 3–4, 1942, Japanese planes bombed both bases. These planes flew from two aircraft carriers. This event is known as the Battle of Dutch Harbor. It was the first time enemy aircraft attacked the American continent in history.
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What Were the Bases Like?
Dutch Harbor is located in the middle of Amaknak Island. This small island is in Unalaska Bay. It is separated from the larger Unalaska Island by Iliuliuk Bay. A bridge connects the city of Unalaska to the southern part of Amaknak Island.
During World War II, the entire Amaknak Island was used by the military. The United States Navy used it as an operating base. The United States Army set up defenses on the high ground. These defenses were at the northern and southern parts of the island.
The central part of the island held the naval base facilities. These included a runway for planes. There were also other buildings to support aircraft. The base had places to store weapons. It also had barracks for soldiers to live in. There was a hospital and a power plant built to withstand bombs.
Fort Mears and Coastal Defenses
South of the naval base was Fort Mears. This fort was named after Frederick Mears. It mainly had barracks for the soldiers. These soldiers operated the coastal defenses. The defenses included large gun batteries. These were placed on Ulakta Head and Mount Ballyhoo to the north. To the south, they were on a place called Hill 400. Today, this is known as Bunker Hill because of the old structures still there. Other Army defense spots near Dutch Harbor included Fort Schwatka, Fort Learnard, and Fort Brumback.
The Battle of Dutch Harbor
On June 3, 1942, the Japanese Navy attacked Dutch Harbor. This was the first air attack on the continental United States during World War II. The attack was supposed to happen at the same time as the Battle of Midway. However, it happened a day earlier. This was due to a delay in the Japanese fleet's sailing.
The attacks lasted for two days. During this time, 43 Americans died. At least ten Japanese soldiers also died. The base remained a very important part of America's defenses. It was used for the rest of World War II.
What Happened After the War?
Soon after World War II ended, the U.S. military left its bases at Dutch Harbor. For many years, the buildings stood empty. They were mostly abandoned. In the 1970s, the king crab fishing industry grew. Many of these old buildings were then used. They became warehouses, bunkhouses, and even homes for families.
In the late 1980s, the U.S. government finally paid to clean up the old fort. The area was then given over for businesses to use.
