Pearl Harbor, a lagoon harbor west of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, has a significant history with the United States Navy. Once a frequent visiting spot for the U.S. naval fleet, the harbor became a U.S. possession in 1875 through the Reciprocity Treaty with the Hawaiian Kingdom. In 1887, the U.S. secured exclusive use of Pearl Harbor, establishing a repair and coaling station. The harbor became the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and a deep-water naval base. On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. This event prompted the U.S. to declare war on Japan, effectively marking the United States' entry into World War II.
December 7, 1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the main base of the US Pacific Fleet. This event led to the United States' entry into World War II.
October 14, 1992: Pearl Harbor Naval Complex Designated as Superfund Site
On October 14, 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency added the Pearl Harbor Naval Complex to the National Priorities List, designating it as a superfund site.
2010: Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam
In 2010, Pearl Harbor merged with Hickam Air Force Base to establish Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam.
December 2016: 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack
In December 2016, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama jointly visited Pearl Harbor to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack. This was the first official visit by a sitting Japanese leader.
December 4, 2019: Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shooting
On December 4, 2019, a shooting occurred at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, resulting in the deaths of two civilian workers and injuries to another before the shooter, a US Navy sailor, took his own life.