Ready Room Blog
1/16/2025
Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor
The Legacy of Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor
and the Significance of the Challenge Coin
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on Ford Island, in the heart of Pearl Harbor, one of the only aviation battlefields in America. Home to Historic Hangar 37, Historic Hangar 79, and the iconic Ford Island Control Tower, this island played a critical role in World War II. Ford Island was the location of Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor, a crucial hub for the U.S. Navy’s air operations.
The Role of Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor
Ford Island has a long history of significance before, during, and after the attack on December 7, 1941. NAS Pearl Harbor was the name given to Ford Island in 1921 by the US Navy when they began building aviation facilities. Ford Island was jointly used by the Army and Navy for many years. However, in 1938, it became exclusively a Naval station, both branches had wanted to expand their facilities, but the island’s small size made this impossible. As a result, the decision was made for the Army to relocated to a new site, allowing the Navy to take full control of Ford Island.
On that fateful day, the Imperial Japanese directly targeted Ford Island and Battleship Row. The many long-range naval aircraft housed on Ford Island, like the PBY Catalinas and SBD Dauntless’, posed as a large threat to the Japanese carriers approximately 200 miles offshore. Of the 70 aircraft on Ford Island the morning of the attack, 33 were put out of commission. Despite being a direct target of the Japanese attack, NAS Pearl Harbor managed to guide US pilots to safe landings and used its hangars to care for survivors.
Following the devastating air raid, Ford Island was prioritized for development, as it was now clear that advancement in aviation was necessary in the very near future. New facilities were quickly built, damage was repaired, and buildings were camouflaged. However, after the war, advancements in aviation, combined with the short runways and nearby air stations, rendered Ford Island’s airstrip obsolete. The U.S. Navy deactivated NAS Pearl Harbor, including Hangar 37, Hangar 79, and the Operations Building, as an air station in 1962. Today, these historic structures on Ford Island are now home to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, standing as powerful reminders of the courage and sacrifice of those who defended our nation. Located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam since its establishment in 2010, these sites are preserved as vital pieces of America’s World War II aviation battlefield, honoring the Greatest Generation and inspiring future generations.
The Tradition of Challenge Coins
Challenge coins are deeply rooted in military culture, symbolizing membership, achievement, and camaraderie. The significance of these tokens extends to the tradition of trading coins between military units, fostering deep connections and mutual respect while honoring shared values and experiences.
Once exclusive to military units, challenge coins have evolved to commemorate exceptional service, significant events like graduations or sports championships, influential figures such as the Secretary of the Navy or the President of the United States, and meaningful milestones. Each coin tells a story, connecting its holder to a significant moment, place, or organization.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Challenge Coins
Recognizing the enduring tradition of challenge coins, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has created its own “Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor” Challenge Coin. These are far more than simple souvenirs. These tokens honor the servicemembers who faced unimaginable challenges during the attack on Pearl Harbor and serve as special memorabilia, symbolizing the memories created by visitors to this historic site. Each coin represents the heroism of those who served at Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor as a tangible reminder of their sacrifices and the resilience of the American spirit.
The front of the coin features the Museum’s Ford Island Control Tower seal. It highlights the historic tower, which was under construction on December 7, 1941 and stood as a silent witness to the air raid all those years ago. After decades of restoration, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum opened the tower to the public in 2022. Below the seal are the years “1941–1945,” commemorating the era that shaped our nation’s history.
The reverse side displays our Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum logo, featuring the iconic P-40 Warhawk aircraft and the inscription ’America’s WWII Aviation Battlefield’, representing our Museum’s dedication to preserving the legacy of WWII aviation history.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Challenge Coin Available for Purchase
Whether you visit the Museum or shop online, this challenge coin is more than a keepsake—it’s a way to honor tradition, remember your visit, and tie yourself to the hallowed grounds of Ford Island and Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor.
By purchasing a “Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor” Challenge Coin, you honor the Greatest Generation and support the Museum’s mission to preserve the lessons of history for future generations.
In addition to the challenge coins, the Museum also offers a navy-colored Windbreaker featuring the “Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor” seal. This apparel item serves as a wearable tribute to the historic site and its legacy, making it another meaningful way to honor those who served.
Visit our store today at
Visit our store today at to secure your own meaningful token of America’s WWII aviation battlefield.
