Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Challenge Coin

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Challenge Coin

• 1 3/4 inch (44mm) Round
• Nickel with Enamel

One of the mega-bases in the United States Armed Forces arsenal, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam is home to Headquarters, United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), one of nine major commands of the US Air Force. PACAFs area of responsibility extends from the west coast of the United States to the east coast of Africa, and from the Arctic to Antarctica, more than 100 million square miles.<br /><br />This special coin salutes the histories of Pearl Harbor and Hickam. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched their surprise strike force with 183 aircraft. Five United States battleships and three others were sunk; more than 2,000 sailors lost their lives. Adjacent to Pearl Harbor, Hickam suffered extensive aircraft losses, with 189 people killed and 303 wounded. Both Pearl and Hickam recovered to become the hub of American war superiority in the Pacific. Now a joint base of amazing power and sophistication, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam continues as the stalwart in the Pacific.<br /><br />The dramatic Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam challenge coin features an outline of Oahu with the emblems of the Navy and Air Force, together with the Arizona Memorial and the Hickam water tower. The reverse shows the Pacific Air Forces shield and banner. The coin is highlighted in rich enamels.