Attack on Pearl Harbor

The strategic value of Hawaii became even more apparent on 7 December 1941 when Japan launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The United States responded swiftly with the Pacific Island Hopping campaign enlisting Pearl Harbor as the supply/repair station to its Pacific Fleet. Today we are able to visit Pearl Harbor and see where WWII began for America. The sinking of the USS Arizona was the catalyst that set the United States involvement in WWII. The Surrender of Japan, ending the war for the United States, was signed in Tokyo Bay 2 September 1945 on the Deck of the USS Missouri. Located within eyesight of each other, you can see these two symbols book-ending America’s involvement in WWII.

Hawaii’s strategic significance has been utilized during the Korean War and Vietnam, and continues to serve as a safeguard throughout the Pacific.