Ford Island Control Tower

The Ford Island Control Tower, a historical landmark located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is a significant site for those interested in World War II history. For visitors with military ID, accessing the tower is straightforward. They can drive onto Ford Island and visit the Pacific Aviation Museum, where the tower is located. However, for those without military ID, the best way to see the Ford Island Control Tower is through a Pearl Harbor Tour that includes a visit to the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Currently, visitors cannot go inside the tower itself. Despite this, the recent paint job allows for excellent photo opportunities from the outside. The striking appearance of the tower against the backdrop of Pearl Harbor makes for a memorable visit.

There has been some misinformation regarding the tower’s purpose. Some tour guides have mistakenly claimed that the Ford Island Control Tower was used as a submarine dive tower for practicing emergency evacuations from sinking submarines. This is incorrect. While there was indeed a dive tower at Pearl Harbor for training submariners, it was not the Ford Island Control Tower. This misunderstanding is likely due to the presence of various training facilities in the area during the war.

In 2011, the Pacific Aviation Museum began a significant restoration project for the Ford Island Control Tower. This $7.5 million restoration project aimed to stabilize and preserve this historic landmark. The Office of Defense financed $3.8 million of this extent, emphasizing the tower’s significance and chronicled esteem.

The Ford Island Control Tower holds a pivotal place in history, particularly regarding the events of December 7, 1941. On that fateful day, the first radio broadcast of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was transmitted from this tower at 8:05 a.m. The announcement came even as the tower was under attack, with bombs exploding nearby and shattering the lower-level windows.

Interestingly, the tower was still under construction during the attack. At that time, the control area was not yet at the top but located in the building at the base of the tower. On December 7th, the Ford Island Control Tower comprised a garage, operations and administrative offices, barracks, an aerological tower, a water tank, and the aircraft control tower. The tower was completed five months after the attack, becoming a fully functional control tower integral to the naval operations at Pearl Harbor.

The Ford Island Control Tower has also found its place in popular culture. It has been featured in movies like “Tora! Tora! Tora!” and “Pearl Harbor,” making it recognizable to people who may never have visited Pearl Harbor.

The Ford Island Control Tower, also known as the Ford Island Radio Tower or Building S84, underwent extensive restoration to preserve its historical significance. Restoration efforts were crucial to maintaining the structural integrity and historical accuracy of the tower. The Pacific Aviation Museum spearheaded this restoration project, ensuring that this important monument remains a testament to the events of World War II.

The restoration project involved a thorough stabilization and preservation process, addressing both structural and aesthetic aspects of the tower. This included repairing and repainting the tower, ensuring that it closely resembled its original state during the war. These endeavors have made the Portage Island Control Tower a must-visit location for history devotees and visitors alike.

The Ford Island Control Tower is more than just a historical structure; it symbolizes resilience and a reminder of the events that shaped world history. Visiting this landmark offers a unique glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to connect with the profound historical events of World War II. While access to the interior of the tower is currently restricted, the exterior views and the surrounding Pacific Aviation Museum provide a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Whether you are a history buff, a student, or simply a curious traveler, the Ford Island Control Tower and its surroundings offer a valuable educational opportunity. The efforts to restore and preserve this landmark ensure that its legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations. A visit to the Portage Island Control Tower is a travel through history, giving experiences into the bravery and give up of those who served amid World War II.