Did the walls of Hangar 54 whisper secrets? I wonder, as we stand here, before this colossal structure on Ford Island. Hangar 54 at Pearl Harbor isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule. It’s a silent witness to a day that changed the course of history. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, of which this hangar is a part, breathes life into the events of December 7, 1941. Imagine, it’s 1935, and Hangar 54 stands newly built, ready to house the mighty aircraft of the US Navy. Little did anyone know the pivotal role it would play just a few years later. This hangar, along with Hangars 37 and 79, and the Ford Island Control Tower, survived the devastating Japanese attack. They stand as stark reminders of that fateful day. One man, Dick Girocco, a 20-year-old seaman, has a story inextricably linked to this very spot. He was inside Hangar 54 when the first bombs fell. He initially thought it was a prank by the Army Air Corps. They sometimes used flour sacks for mock dive-bombing runs. But the “flour sacks” started exploding. The rising sun glinting off the wings of the Japanese planes confirmed his worst fears. Girocco, along with others, sought refuge behind the hangar, finding shallow depressions in the dirt for cover. A partially laid pipeline between the hangars offered a precarious sanctuary. Hangar 54 became a haven amidst the chaos. Today, Hangar 54, destined to showcase World War II and Pacific Theater exhibits, continues to serve. It now trains Navy Security Forces personnel, adding another layer to its rich history. The ingenuity and resolve of those who rebuilt and repurposed this structure echo the American spirit. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Hangar 54.
Building 90
Built in 1913 Building 90 stands proudly. It’s a testament to the past. This three-story concrete structure initially served a