On Ford Island, amidst the echoes of history, stands Hangar 79. A colossal structure that has witnessed both triumph and tragedy. Hangar 79 isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to a pivotal era. It’s a time capsule holding within its walls the stories of World War II and beyond. Originally built in 1941 as a maintenance and engine repair facility for the Navy, Hangar 79 played a vital role during the war. Its massive doors, still operational today, once welcomed aircraft in need of repair. The interior crane system, a marvel of engineering, still functions, a silent witness to the hustle and bustle of wartime activity.
Hangar 79 miraculously survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. It bears the scars of that fateful day. Look closely at the concrete walls and wooden posts. You might see notations made by sailors. These markings record repairs, local emergency numbers, and glimpses into the lives of those who worked within these walls. The bullet holes from Japanese machine gun fire serve as a stark reminder of the chaos and danger of that day. Even friendly fire left its mark on Hangar 79. On the evening of December 7, 1941, American sailors mistakenly shot down a flight of F4F Wildcat fighters attempting to land on Ford Island in the dark, some of the bullets aimed in the direction of Hangar 79.
Hangar 79 continued to serve the Navy throughout World War II. It housed fighters, bombers, and patrol aircraft. The bullet-riddled windows were left unrepaired, serving as a constant reminder that they were working in a combat zone. The hangar’s story doesn’t end with World War II. In 1969, the Apollo 10 capsule, nicknamed “Charlie Brown”, was processed through Hangar 79 after its mission orbiting the moon. This historic event solidified Hangar 79’s place in both military and space exploration history. Today, Hangar 79 is home to a significant portion of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s collection. Within its vast 86,000-square-foot interior, you’ll find aircraft from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf Wars.
Keep an eye out for the hangar owls. These pueo, as they are called in Hawaiian, nest in the rafters. They are considered guardians and symbols of good luck. The museum’s restoration team, working diligently to preserve these historic aircraft, has adopted the name “Hangar Owls” in their honor. The museum launched a “Raise the Roof” campaign to repair and restore the aging hangar. Thanks to this effort, the hangar’s roof has undergone much-needed repairs, ensuring that Hangar 79 can continue to share its stories with future generations. The Shealy Restoration Shop, located within Hangar 79, carries on the hangar’s legacy as a place of aircraft maintenance. Inside, dedicated professionals work tirelessly to restore vintage aircraft, breathing new life into these historic machines. One notable aircraft under restoration is the B-17E Swamp Ghost. This iconic bomber, destined for Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was delayed due to mechanical issues, sparing it from the attack. Its remarkable story of survival and eventual recovery is a testament to the resilience of both man and machine.