HONOLULU (KHON2) – For the first time in a very long time, the United States Air Force will open Hickam Field for the community to come down and learn what they do, what they work with and much more.
Major Eric de Gruchy explained the Wings of Aloha Open House event at Hickam Field on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam.
“At the Wings of Aloha Open House event, it is our opportunity as the Air Force to give back to the community that has given us so much,” said de Gruchy. “They will be able to see a variety of aircraft that we use on a day-to-day basis, and also some of the pilots and airmen that serve here every day and learn a little bit about what the Air Force does here on the island of Oahu.”
You’re a pilot, there is an aircraft behind you.
Can you give us a little tour of what’s inside?
“Absolutely. I love to, let’s go.”
Major Eric, this is actually your aircraft and you giving us a tour around.
What do you actually do?
“So, I have been a C-17 Pilot for about 12 years now, and now, I am an instructor pilot here,” explained de Gruchy.
“I fly with the 535th Airlift Squadron, a part of the 15th Wing Air Station here at Hickam Field. On a day-to-day basis, I do local training, help people stay current in aircraft, get better and more proficient at flying the aircraft, and then also another desk job I have is I am the Chief of Flight Safety. One of the things I am responsible for is making sure of the safe operation of the aircraft and other aircraft flying through this base.”
I know you had more than 100 students come and gave a personal tour for them.
How was that received?
“It was amazing. It was great to see these young people come out and get so excited about the mission and other airmen and other jobs and functions that are here at Hickam Field,” said de Gruchy.
“We had really great feedback and we are excited to extend that to the community tomorrow.”
You know what I really think is cool, the Hickam Field building is actually where the call for Dec. 7, 1941, came in adding to the historic essence of this area.
Why is it important that you open this up for the community?
“I am glad you brought that up. So, after the attacks of December 7, 1941, this base was rebuilt and served as a stepping stone for further operations in the Pacific,” said de Gruchy.
“Today, it serves as another very strategic mission in the Indo-Pacific and it’s very important that we open up to the community because their support is essential.”
What else will be filling up the Hickam Field tomorrow?
“So, tomorrow these tents will be filled with some of our airmen and some of our joint partners displaying what they do here on Oahu on a day-to-day basis,” said de Gruchy.
“There will be interactive tables, booths showing, for example, a bomb disposal robot driving around, we will have mobile ATC tower, other vehicles. We will also have some vendors on the ramp where people can go and buy food and drinks throughout the day.”
Once again, this is called the Wings of Aloha Open House hosted by the US Air Force.
It will be taking place tomorrow, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Hickam Field on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam.
A free event for the community which means for community members, there are two parking lots where you can park for free and jump on a shuttle to ride in.
One location is here at Iako Place off the ending of Lagoon Drive. The second location is at Aloha Stadium.
For all that information, click here.