Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ondirae Abdullah-Robinson | Military leaders, community members, and project partners pose with “o’o,” Sept....... read more read more
Military leaders, community members, and project partners gathered at the historic Richardson theater on Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Sept. 23, 2025, for a ceremony that marks the transformation of the theater into the future headquarters of the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force.
The event, steeped in military and Hawaiian tradition, opened with a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Kahu Kordell Kekoa, a Hawaiian religious leader, who emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of the land.
"For us as people of Hawaiʻi, our land is very, very important to us," said Kekoa. "Today’s blessing is about honoring the past and setting the intention for the future. This transformation is not just about construction, it’s about connecting to the land, to our roots, and to something larger than ourselves."
The renovation project will preserve the theater’s pink-colored historic exterior while completely transforming its interior into a state-of-the-art, mission-critical facility. The new headquarters will include secure spaces for cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, and long-range precision fire operations, ensuring the task force is equipped to meet the demands of the Indo-Pacific theater.
The Task Force Commander Col. Wade A. Germann spoke about the significance of the building to the organization.
"This headquarters is more than a building—it is the heart of our organization," said Germann. "It will be a place where ideas are born, decisions are made, and our mission is shaped. Decades from now, this facility will tell the story of who we are and how we carried out our vision. It will sustain the work we do, the partnerships we form, and the impact we strive to make—not just across the Indo-Pacific, but within this very community."
The transformation of Richardson Theater is a testament to the Army’s commitment to modernization and readiness.
Travis Cooper, a vice president at the Bering-Weston Joint-Venture, highlighted the collaborative effort between his organization and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
"This moment marks more than the start of a construction project," said Cooper. "It’s the beginning of a transformation. We are not just renovating a building. We are reinforcing the foundation of America’s Indo-Pacific strategy. This facility will empower the 3MDTF to train, operate, and innovate in the very environment they will be called upon to defend."
Lt. Col. Adrian Biggerstaff, the commander of the Honolulu District, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, reflected on the theater’s history and its future role.
"Richardson Theater has been a place of community and culture since 1948, hosting performances that brought people together," said Biggerstaff. "While the curtain has fallen on its role as a theater, we are setting the stage for a new act. This facility will enable the 3MDTF to ensure freedom of maneuver across the Indo-Pacific, supporting the Army’s mission to prevail in the most consequential region for America’s future."
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic groundbreaking using traditional Hawaiian tools called "ʻoʻo," representing both construction and protection. Distinguished guests, including military leaders and project partners, participated in the ritual, symbolizing their shared commitment to the project’s success.
As the Richardson Theater begins its transformation, it stands as a testament to the Army’s commitment to modernization and readiness, and as a bridge between the past and the future. A historic landmark reimagined to meet the needs of a modern, forward-looking Army. The new 3MDTF headquarters will not only honor the legacy of the theater but also serve as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and strength in the Indo-Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2025 19:40 |
| Story ID: | 549109 |
| Location: | FORT SHAFTER, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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