Marine Corps Training Area Bellows

Why was a Japanese submarine commander pulled from the waves near Marine Corps Training Area Bellows? Let’s dive into the captivating history of this unique Hawaiian landmark. Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, nestled on Oahu’s windward side near Waimānalo Town, spans nearly 1,050 acres. Long before it became a military installation, Bellows buzzed with ancient Hawaiian life. Archaeological evidence shows thriving settlements dating back to AD 800-900, where inhabitants fished, gathered shellfish, and crafted tools from the area’s basalt. During the 19th century, the area transformed into a prominent ranch under Thomas Cummins. He married a High Chiefess, leased the land, and established Waimānalo as a hub for cattle, horses, and even sugarcane. The military’s interest in Bellows began during World War I, fueled by concerns about German expansion in the Pacific. In 1917, the land became Waimānalo Military Reservation and by 1933, was renamed Bellows Field, honoring 2nd Lt. Franklin Bellows, a WWI pilot. Then came the morning of December 7, 1941. Twenty planes sat on Bellows Field’s runway when the Japanese attacked. A warning call from Kaneohe Naval Air Station was dismissed as a prank. Japanese Zeros strafed the field, killing two pilots and destroying several aircraft. But the story doesn’t end there. The day after the attack, a Japanese midget submarine was discovered grounded on the reef just off Waimānalo Beach. Its commander, Ensign Kazuo Sakamaki, was captured, becoming the first Japanese POW of World War II. From ancient settlements to a pivotal moment in WWII history, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows holds a unique place in Hawaiian history. It’s a place where the whispers of ancient Hawaiians mingle with the echoes of a world at war, creating a story as rich and layered as the land itself.