Marine Corps Air Station Ewa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marine Corps Air Station Ewa |
|
|---|---|
| Oahu, Hawaii | |
Civilian barracks at Ewa
|
|
| Coordinates | 21°19′20″N 158°02′58″W / 21.32222°N 158.04944°W |
| Type | Military air station |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | USMC |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1925 – June 18, 1952 |
| In use | 1925 - 1952 |
| Battles/wars | World War II * Attack on Pearl Harbor |
Marine Corps Air Station Ewa (MCAS Ewa) was a special airport for the United States Marine Corps. It was located about 7 miles (11 km) west of Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. This base was attacked during the famous attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Later, MCAS Ewa became a very important place for Marine aircraft. It was a main hub for all Marine planes heading into battles in the Pacific during World War II. The base closed in 1952. This was because its runways were too short for newer jet aircraft. Also, it couldn't be made bigger because Naval Air Station Barbers Point was too close. Even though it closed in 1952, parts of Ewa are still visible today. You can still see two of its old runways from the air. Many of the concrete shelters, called revetments, are also still in good shape.
Contents
History of Marine Corps Air Station Ewa
MCAS Ewa started as a base for airships in 1925. These were like giant balloons that could fly. However, no airships ever landed there. This was because several US Navy airships crashed. For example, the USS Shenandoah crashed in 1925. The USS Akron was destroyed in 1933, and the USS Macon in 1935. Because of these accidents, the airship program was stopped.
The base began to be upgraded into an air station in September 1940. On February 3, 1941, it officially became Marine Corps Air Station Ewa.
Ewa During World War II
By the start of World War II, MCAS Ewa had four runways. It also had many hangars for planes. On December 7, 1941, MCAS Ewa was the very first place hit during the attack on Pearl Harbor. All 48 aircraft based there were destroyed. However, the runways were not bombed. They could still be used.
During the attack, a Japanese dive bomber was shot down. Pilots George Welch and Kenneth Taylor shot it down. They were flying their P-40 planes above the station.
In April 1944, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing moved to MCAS Ewa. They stayed there for the rest of World War II.
Closure of the Air Station
The start of the Korean War brought more activity to MCAS Ewa. But the runways were becoming too short for new jet aircraft. So, the Marine Corps moved its planes to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. Ewa officially closed on June 18, 1952. Its land was then taken over by Naval Air Station Barbers Point.
Future Plans for the Ewa Site
In 2008, the US Navy announced plans for the old air station land. They decided to lease about 499 acres (2.02 km²) to a company. This company planned to build expensive homes and shopping centers. The goal was to create a new urban area for Kapolei.
The Navy also said that a small part of the base, about 4 to 5 acres (1.6 to 2.0 ha), was very important historically. This area might be added to the National Register of Historic Places. Some local people want to protect the old airfield. They are trying to get support to make it a National Cemetery. The lease agreement between the Navy and the company was expected to be finished in August 2008.
In 2013, the Honolulu City Council approved a plan. This plan involved building a road over the old airfield. In 2018, a company was hired to create a plan to preserve the Ewa Battlefield.
