The Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary
For 250 years, U.S. Marines have served and played pivotal roles in every major American conflict: from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror. The Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, marking the start of its distinguished legacy in the American military.
In 2025, this celebration remains a meaningful opportunity to honor the Marine Corps' enduring military and cultural legacy, as well as to recognize installations like Marine Corps Base Hawai’i (MCBH), which enable Marines to carry out their mission worldwide.
The History Pageant
The Marine Corps History Pageant is a ceremonial presentation in which Marines appear wearing historically accurate uniforms that represent different eras of Marine Corps history, spanning from 1775 to the present day. It visually tells the story of the Marine Corps’ evolution by showcasing how Marines looked, dressed, and fought across major conflicts. It is performed in conjunction with the birthday cake-cutting ceremony that connects present-day Marines and their families to the generations who came before them. Marines with Headquarters Battalion (HQBN), MCBH, performed the Pageant on Nov. 6, 2025.
U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Ryan Bradley, company first sergeant, Headquarters Company, HQBN, the lead action officer in coordinating the pageant, explained, “It’s an incredible honor to share this responsibility. Being able to connect the past with the present through this pageant allows us to honor those who paved the way for us. It’s a humbling experience to put on a show that not only showcases our rich history but also reminds us of the warriors who built the legacy we continue to uphold today.”
When asked how it feels to honor the Marines and the legacy that came before, Bradley said, “Honoring the Marines who came before us is incredibly important. Those Marines are legends—those who set the example for excellence, sacrifice, and duty. The U.S. Marine Corps’ dedication to honoring those who paved the way for us is what truly sets us apart, and it’s a privilege to be part of this tradition.”
Lance Cpl. Quincy Bell, a finance technician, HQBN, who volunteered to perform in the pageant, expressed his insight and previous knowledge of Marine Corps history by saying, “it definitely has opened my eyes to all the challenges that we faced in the past and in the present. Everything in the Marine Corps is bigger than you think it is… we have a lot of history.”
The History of MCBH
In 1918, the installation was established within the Windward Coastal Artillery Command. In 1939, the construction of the Naval Air Station (NAS) located on Kāneʻohe Bay began. By late 1940, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. George Spence reported to the installation with 30 Marines; they became the first military unit to be assigned to the NAS. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Navy attacked the air station eight minutes before the assault on Pearl Harbor. Roosevelt famously declared it “A date which will live in infamy.”
In 1949, the U.S. Navy decommissioned NAS Kāneʻohe Bay. The Marine Corps then assumed and took charge of the air station after the landowner, Mr. Harold K. Castle, refused to take back the property in 1951. Before the establishment of MCBH, the geographical location of Hawai’i had become a vital U.S. military outpost, notably after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Castle believed it was essential to maintain a military installation on the windward (eastern) side of the island for both defense and economic stability.
By 1952, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Kāneʻohe Bay was officially established, and in 1953, the 1st Provisional Marine Air-Ground Task Force was created at the air station. From 1960 to 1990, the installation served as home to several generations of Marine Corps fighter aircraft, including the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, and F/A-18 Hornet. Undergoing many changes in 1992, the air station removed F/A-18 jet aircraft and CH-46 helicopter squadrons, replaced the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade with contingents from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, and welcomed the arrival of Navy squadrons from NAS Barber’s Point, making it the exclusive home of all the Marine Corps’ CH-53D helicopter squadrons. In September of 1994, Aviation Support Element, Kaneohe, was established and reassigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). It was then redesignated as Marine Aircraft Group 24 in 2002.
A Single Command
In 1994, the Marine Corps consolidated all its installations and facilities in Hawai’i under a single command, identified as MCBH, which included a HQBN and MCAS. On April 15, 1994, MCAS was downgraded to Marine Corps Air Facility (MCAF) in accordance with a successful base realignment and closure strategy.
In 1999, U.S. Navy Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light-37 moved to MCBH, Kāneʻohe Bay, following the base realignment and closure of NAS Barbers Point. In 2009, Headquarters Marine Corps redesignated MCAF as a Marine Corps Air Station.
In 2011, MCBH aligned under Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC), Japan. In 2014, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 was relocated from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center Twentynine Palms, California, to Hawai’i. In 2016, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 was relocated from MCAS Miramar, California, to Hawai’i. In 2017, Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two was disestablished while other Navy Detachments remained at MCAS Kāneʻohe Bay. In 2018, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 relocated from MCAS Miramar, California, to MCAS Kāneʻohe Bay.
Oahu’s unique terrain enables Marines to train across amphibious, urban, and jungle environments at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows. MCBH not only provides unique training opportunities but is also home to Marines, sailors, and their families. Their commitment ensures a force capable of immediate response. As a critical foothold in the Indo-Pacific, MCBH stands as a premier installation for developing warfighters.
MCBH Throughout the Decades 1st Medal of Honor Recipient of World War II
During World War II, the area known now as MCBH played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater. Marines stationed at Kāneʻohe Bay conducted amphibious assaults, which were essential tactics in the island-hopping campaign, in preparation for major operations such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
On December 7, 1941, John Finn, then a chief aviation ordnance man, was stationed at Naval Air Station Kāneʻohe Bay. He defended the flight line during the Japanese aerial assault by manning a .50-caliber machine gun for more than two hours despite sustaining 21 wounds. On September 15, 1942, he was given the highest military decoration: The Medal of Honor, making him the first Medal of Honor recipient of World War II. Finn continued to serve for another 15 years, finally retiring with the rank of lieutenant in 1956.
Anderson Chow Hall
When the Vietnam War began, James Anderson didn't want to be drafted into the Army, so he enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1966 and was sent to Vietnam in December.
Pfc. James Anderson, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, was on a rescue mission near Vietnam’s central coast. Anderson and his platoon were met with intense enemy fire at close range. When suddenly, a grenade landed just feet from his head, and Anderson reacted without hesitation. With complete selflessness, he pulled the grenade to his chest and wrapped his body around it to shield his fellow Marines. Anderson absorbed the majority of the blast and was killed instantly, but because of his sacrifice, the Marines beside him survived with only minor injuries.
Anderson subsequently received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions and remains a part of the Marine Corps legacy. In 1983, the U.S. Navy showed its appreciation for his gallantry by renaming a maritime prepositioning ship after him. The United States Naval Ship Pfc. James Anderson Jr. was based at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and carried equipment to support a Marine Expeditionary Brigade until 2009. His name also adorns Anderson Hall at MCBH.
During the Vietnam War, MCBH supported Marine units that deployed to South Vietnam, particularly elements of the 3rd Marine Regiment. Although major staging occurred through Okinawa and Camp Pendleton, Marines tied to Hawai’i took part in key operations such as Operation Starlite in 1965. MCBH contributed essential training and readiness support throughout the conflict.
Modern Day MCBH
Units at MCBH continue to train at Pu’uloa Range for marksmanship and live-fire exercises, and Marine Corps Training Area Bellows (MCTAB) for combat training, ensuring readiness. These sites were crucial for pre-deployment training during the War on Terror, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
MCBH remains central to joint training in the Indo-Pacific, hosting and participating in major multinational exercises such as Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the Korea Marine Exercise Program, and bilateral amphibious training with allied forces from Japan, Australia, and South Korea.
A Symbiosis
MCBH’s presence in Hawai’i has fostered a strong military and civilian partnership that has been demonstrated through supporting events like Hurricane Iniki (1992) and, more recently, the 2023 Maui wildfires. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153 at MCAS Kāneʻohe Bay, MCBH, facilitated the transport of personnel and equipment with their KC-130J Hercules while supporting Joint Task Force 50, the command and control element that coordinated the response efforts of the wild fires.
Earlier this year, the Kāneʻohe Bay Air Show, hosted by MCBH drew in approximately 92,500 guests and attendees that continued to strengthen the bond between Marines and the local community, providing shared spaces to celebrate tradition, culture, and a partnership that has grown throughout generations.
Environmental Stewardship
MCBH assumes environmental responsibilities of the base that is located on the historical Mokapu peninsula, which is rich in cultural history and habits protected species. The installation is home to wildlife that are supported by several federally protected habitats. Through its Environmental and Natural Resources Management Program, MCBH works to preserve native ecosystems while maintaining mission readiness by incorporating habitat restoration, erosion control, and protection measures to ensure that military operations coexist with environmental stewardship.
MCBH also plays a key role in restoring the historic Nu‘upia Fish Ponds, working with environmental partners to improve water quality, remove invasive species, and rebuild native wetland ecosystems. Through sustainable training practices, careful land management, and close collaboration with state, federal, and local organizations, MCBH helps ensure the long-term health of the peninsula’s unique environment while maintaining mission readiness.
The Strategic Role of MCBH
MCBH plays a vital role in modern Indo-Pacific strategy, supporting Marine forces that participate in major multinational exercises with essential amphibious and aviation training to maintain rapid-response capabilities. Its strategic location enables the base to deploy quickly across the Indo-Pacific region. Looking ahead, MCBH will continue to modernize housing, infrastructure, and mission-critical facilities to meet the needs of the next generation of Marines. As the Marine Corps expands its use of unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, and emerging technologies, MCBH remains a key training and operational center that strengthens the readiness of Marines today and shapes the Marine Corps of tomorrow.
Honoring the Past
As the Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday, MCBH continues to stand as a powerful link between the Corps’ storied past and future. From its early coastal defense roots to its modern role in the Indo-Pacific, MCBH has shaped generations of Marines and continues to honor that legacy through tradition, service, and relationships with the local community. MCBH remains a vital part of the Marine Corps’ history and a foundation of its readiness for the years to come.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil/