Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY&IMF) finds its roots in the 1800s, as the world's navies explored and established ports throughout the Pacific Ocean. As early as 1820, the interest of the U.S. government in the Sandwich Islands followed the adventurous voyages of its whaling and trading ships in the Pacific. In historic records of this time, what is now known as Pearl Harbor was referred to as "Wai-Momi," literally, the "Water of the Pearl" or "Pearl Water."

In 1868, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet visited the islands to look after "American interests." In 1891 Pres. Benjamin Harrison urged Congress to develop and improve Pearl Harbor as a naval station. In response to growing multinational interests in the Pacific, the U.S. Navy sought bases for its expanding fleet. 

When Hawaiian King Lunalilo died in 1873, negotiations were underway for the cessation of Pearl Harbor as a port for the exportation of sugar to the U.S. duty free. It was during the reign of King Kalakaua that the U.S. was granted exclusive rights to enter Pearl Harbor and to establish a coaling and repair station. Congress passed an act officially creating Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, Territory of Hawaii in May 1908, and authorized nearly $3 million to help build it.

Since that day more than 100 years ago, PHNSY&IMF has seen the world's navies transition from sail to steam to nuclear power. Our workers have seen two world wars. They rebuilt the U.S. fleet after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and turned the tide of war at the Battle of Midway and contributed to the eventual Allied victory.

Shipyard workers supported our nation's defense in conflicts in Korea; Vietnam; the decades-long Cold War; operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield; and more recently operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Even today, they keep our great nation's Navy engaged on the front line of the Global War on Terror.

Through it all, generations of our heroic workers have played a key part in the history of Hawaii and of the U.S., forging an unparalled legacy with their blood, sweat and determination.