[Milsurplus] [Boatanchors] Was Pearl Habour a joint Army-Navy Command?

[mikea]

On Thu, Dec 09, 2010 at 06:51:15PM +0100, Henry Mei'l's wrote:
> When I brought up the anniversary date, I was wondering what the
> command and organizational structure was in 1941. Also, did Naval
> aircraft also utilize land based (AAF) facilities? What were
> the communications structure, in terms of frequency allotments
> inter-service communication, type of radio equipment used and the
> like?
>
> I've read some stories about army radar picking up the incoming
> Japanese aircraft.
>
> Who, which service, if it was not equally shared, had the top level
> command ?
>
> I'm sure I could dig much of this up on the internet, but I have the
> impression that not so few here on these reflectors have personal
> knowledge of these matters.
>
> My apologies if my query is too comprehensive.

That's a good set of questions, Henry. 

My recollection, from conversations with my dad, who was stationed at
Hickam Field in December 1941, is that Army and Navy were vehemently
independent in every way they could be, and that top level command would
have been the Secretary of War in Washington.

Ford Island, in Pearl Harbor, had a Naval Air Station for seaplanes and
land (or carrier)-based aircraft, while Hickam Field and Wheeler Field were
Army Air Corps. I seem to recall that there was a Marine air unit of some
sort at Kaneohe Bay, as well. I'm certain that my recall is incomplete, but
that's what I have.

I have no idea about frequency allotments, inter-service communication,
who used what radio gear, etc.

-- 
Mike Andrews, W5EGO
mikea at mikea.ath.cx
Tired old sysadmin