Ford Island

Can you imagine an island, a place of both serenity and strife, right in the heart of Pearl Harbor? This is Ford Island, known to ancient Hawaiians as Mokuʻumeʻume, meaning “isle of attraction” or “island of strife.” Ford Island’s Hawaiian name stems from a unique ancient fertility ritual. During the Makahiki festival, couples hoping to conceive would gather on the island. A tribal leader would select couples, who would then seek a secluded spot on Ford Island to, well, let’s just say they were encouraged to follow the island’s other name, the “isle of attraction.” This practice continued until the 1830s when Christian missionaries put a stop to it. Ford Island’s role as a place of attraction continued, however. In 1791, Kamehameha I granted the island to Francisco de Paula Marin. He established a thriving business supplying ships with provisions like sheep, hogs, and rabbits he raised there. Over the years, Ford Island changed hands several times. It was part of a public auction, a sugarcane plantation, and even briefly owned by the John Papa ʻĪʻī estate. The island’s significance took a dramatic turn in the early 20th century. In 1917, part of Ford Island was sold to the U.S. Army for aviation. This marked the beginning of Ford Island’s prominent role in U.S. military history. By 1939, the entire island was under Navy control, serving as a critical base for battleship and submarine maintenance. Ford Island became the heart of the Pacific Fleet, a strategic hub teeming with activity. Then came December 7, 1941. Ford Island was at the very center of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It was a primary target, and the battleships moored along its shores bore the brunt of the assault. Hangars blazed, the dispensary was cratered, and lives were tragically lost. The attack on Ford Island remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war. Despite the devastation, Ford Island persevered. Its strategic importance only grew. It became the headquarters for Patrol Wing Two, a critical component of the Pacific Fleet’s defense. The island also played a role in the recovery efforts after the attack. Massive winches were installed to right the capsized USS Oklahoma, a testament to the resilience and determination of those stationed there. Ford Island has seen a rebirth in recent decades. The Admiral Clarey Bridge, once dubbed the “bridge to nowhere,” now connects Ford Island to the rest of Oahu. This has led to significant development, including the Pacific Aviation Museum, which is housed in the historic Hangar 37. Today, Ford Island is a blend of past and present. It continues to serve the Navy, housing the Pacific Warfighting Center and a new tsunami warning center. It is also a place of remembrance, with memorials dedicated to the USS Arizona, USS Utah, and USS Oklahoma. Ford Island stands as a poignant symbol of resilience, a place where history whispers from every corner, inviting us to remember the sacrifices made and the lessons learned.