Fort Shafter

Fort Shafter is a United States military base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Fort Shafter was established  by the Army on June 22, 1907. The base is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Shafter is the home base of the United States Army Pacific Command, the Major Command of US Army Forces for the Pacific Region, and the Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division. Fort Shafter is the oldest military base on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

The 25th Infantry division of the Army has been responsible for defending Hawaii since 1921. On December 7, 1941 the 25th Infantry Division was rapidly deployed after the bombing of Pearl Harbor to protect the southern and eastern coasts of the island against invasion from the Japanese. The 25th Infantry Division was made famous in 1942 when they relieved the Marines at Guadalcanal. Their performance during this operation earned them the nickname “Tropic Lightning”.

Today there are 7,897 active duty service men and women, 11,686 family members, and 8,172 civilians currently stationed at Fort Shafter. There are close to 7,000 three and four bedroom housing units that are designated by family size and rank. Fort Shafter does not have any schools on base for children  instead they attend local public or private schools. There are, however, classes available at the Tripler Army Education Center for furthering your college degree or Army leadership.

Military personnel and their families can receive excellent medical care at the US Army Health Center located at Schofield Barracks. The Schofield Health Clinic provides care for more than 35,000 soldiers, family members, and retirees. In fact, Schofield Health Clinic provides more than 50% of primary health care for the Army in Hawaii. Schofield Barracks Dental Clinic and Tripler Army Dental Clinic both whom provide dental care for Armed Services personnel along with their families. There are Child Development Centers and the Family Child Care Program which provides childcare services on base. Children ages 6 weeks to 12 years are eligible to attend different programs at very reasonable rates.

On base at Fort Shafter you will find 24 hour gyms and fitness facilities, as well as aquatic centers. Some of these aquatic centers offer special areas just for the kids. There is also a movie theater on base here. Most of these amenities are just a short walk or bike ride away from base housing.

Military personnel and their families can find lots of things to experience off base in Hawaii as well. There are beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and great shopping all located nearby. Fort Shafter is very close to Honolulu, which is largely supported by tourism so you will find much to do there. There are many historic sites and National parks to visit on the island of Honolulu as well.

Fort Shafter may be one of the older military bases in the United States, but it has been well kept and advanced over the years with modern facilities. The scenery is beautiful with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean all around and many exciting things for you and your family to see and explore.