Marine Corps Base Camp Smith

Camp H. M. Smith. A place of strategic importance, steeped in history. Originally known as Aiea Naval Hospital, this very land was a bustling hub of medical activity during World War II. Imagine the scene in 1945. Thousands of wounded servicemen arriving from the brutal battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, seeking medical care within these walls. At its peak, almost 5,700 patients filled the hospital simultaneously. Camp H. M. Smith stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of those who served. The hospital, commissioned in 1942, was built on land initially intended for a Navy hospital. The attack on Pearl Harbor drastically accelerated the construction of the planned 1,650-bed facility. It served as a vital stopping point for wounded sailors and Marines returning from the Pacific theater. But the story of Camp H. M. Smith extends beyond its medical past. In 1955, the Marine Corps chose this site as the home of the Fleet Marine Force Pacific, renaming it in honor of General Holland McTyeire “Howling Mad” Smith. Today, Camp H. M. Smith serves as the headquarters for several key commands. It’s the home of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Special Operations Command Pacific, and Marine Forces Pacific. The camp’s 220 acres, along with the Puuloa Rifle Range and Manana Housing, represent a unique installation. It’s the only Marine Corps base supporting a unified commander, the Commander of INDOPACOM. From a sugar cane field to a naval hospital to a vital military headquarters. Camp H. M. Smith’s journey reflects the ever-evolving landscape of history.