For many people, learning about Hickam Afb's population and steets is the first step in exploring this city. As a city with many military personnel, Hickam Afb is a major place of employment and pride. Located near the coast, Hickam is easily accessible from many parts of the United States and Canada. In addition to the city's many military families, Hickam is home to the 65th Airlift Squadron, which transports senior military officers from the theater to their destinations. Its 15th Airlift Wing converted into an airlift force in mid-2003 and is preparing to fly the C-17 Globemaster III. In February 2006, the first Hickam-based C-17 arrived, and seven more are expected during the remainder of 2007 and beyond.
Originally, the Hickam Afb City's boundaries included the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, the entrance channel to the Pearl Harbor Airlift Wing, and the airport complex. Since then, the two bases share the same airport complex. In 2006, the two military bases merged under one name, and today, the Hickam AFB and the Pearl Harbor Naval Base are both located on the island of Hawaii.