NASKA Chronology

Early 1942

Hawaiian Air Bases, 14th Naval District, Pearl Harbor determined that NAS Puunene was at capacity and a second NAS was necessary and planning begun. The site chosen consisted of 1,350 acres leased from HC&S (Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co.). About one third was cultivated cane land and the remainder swampy (like Kanaha Pond to the west) with dense Kiawe growth.

Sept. 17, 1942

Consultant Roswell M. Towill of Honolulu was contracted to do a topographic survey for the proposed facility.

Nov. 3, 1942

The company Holmes and Narver, Industrial and Arcitectural Engineers based in Los Angeles was contracted to be Architect-Engineer for the project for a reported sum of $7,500,000.

Nov. 7, 1942

Holmes and Narver personnel arrive on Maui

Nov. 12, 1942

Design/drafting for the project begins.

Nov. 15, 1942

Construction equipment arrives by barge.

March 15, 1943

NASKA commissioned with Commander Phil LeRoy Haines in command.

April, 1943

Navy 39th Construction Bn. (Seabees) takes over construction from Holmes and Narver. At this point; the utilities (water, electricity and sewage system) were established, construction of 12 barracks and bakery completed, and construction of two mess hall/galleys half completed. Only 25% of clearing and preparatory grading for the runways were complete.

Sept. 1, 1943

CASU 32 (Carrier Air Service Unit 32) commissioned with Lt. Commander M.E. Selby in command.

Sept. 20, 1943

NASKA Operational

Feb. 11, 1944

CBMU 563 (Construction Bn. Maintenance Unit 563) arrives.

June 15, 1944

142nd Construction Bn. relieves 39th Construction Bn..

March 1945

Capt. Frederic W. Priestman becomes the new commander.

Sept. 1945

IFCHA (Instrument Flying Center Hawaiian Area) moves to NASKA from NAS Puunene. With 13 instructors, the mission of the center is to train pilots to fly "blind" using instruments.

Dec. 1945

Cmdr. William H. Hallock becomes the new commander.

Jan. 1946

CVG-80 (Carrier Air Group 80) is the first to arrive for peacetime training.

April 18, 1946

Capt. Truman J. Hedding becomes the new commander.

Nov. 1946

CASU 32 is decommissioned.

Oct. 1947

Cmdr. Morelock becomes commander of a a much reduced base of a dozen personnel. NASKA loses its status as a naval air station and becomes part of NAS Kaneohe.

Dec. 1947

Base facilities transferred to Hawaii Aeronautics Commission.