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Home to the United States Army’s historic 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks is located in the town of Wahiawa, Hawaii in the Central Region of Oahu.
History: WWII, Korean War, Vietnam
The 25th Infantry Division was established on October, 1, 1941. It was formed from the 27th and 35th Infantry regiments of the Hawaiian Division, which defended Hawaii from 1921-1941. Following the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Oahu, the 25th Infantry Division was ordered into action in the Solomon Islands in November 1942. The Division was given the lasting nickname, “Tropic Lightning,” after their outstanding performance in the Solomons.
In January 1945, after 165 days of tireless fighting on the island of Luzon, the Division helped to liberate the Philippine Islands. During the Korean War, Tropic Lightning fought for the liberation of South Korea from North Korean invasion. The 25th ID entered the Korean War in July 1950 and fought until July 27, 1953 when cease fire took effect. The Vietnam War brought with it five years of the Division’s engagement against communist forces in South Vietnam beginning in December 1965 until the 2nd Brigade’s return to Hawaii in April 1971.
The Eighties and Nineties
In 1985, the Division was selected to reorganize into a light infantry formation. Ten years later in 1995, it participated in its first major deployment as a light infantry unit to Haiti as part of Operation Uphold Democracy. From 1995 to present day, the Division has been a crucial component in the world’s peace keeping missions, the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Iraq and Afghanistan
After returning from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in June 2005, the Division changed its organization to become a more “versatile, agile force.” A Special Troops Battalion was reactivated, the 2nd and 3rd Brigade. Combat Teams became Stryker Brigade Combat Team and Infantry Brigade Combat Team, respectively, and Aviation Brigade became Combat Aviation Brigade.
As a result of the return of heavy vehicles to Schofield Barracks, Tropic Lightning dropped its “light” designation in January 2006. The 1st and 4th Brigade Combat Teams of the 25th ID would eventually call Alaska home. Among their many missions and duties, Tropic Lightning units deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan worked diligently to train local security forces, help build government institutions, and bravely pursue insurgents. In 2010, the Special Troops Battalion was deactivated and the Division headquarters was reorganized as Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 25th Infantry Division.
On December 18, 2011, the 25th Infantry Division was the last U.S.Army unit to leave Iraq after successfully completing their Task Force Lightning mission of safeguarding American troops and transferring bases to the government of Iraq.
Present Day
Today, the 25th Infantry Division, “shapes the Pacific environment through engagement with regional partners to strengthen relationships, deter adversaries, and build US and partner capacity. On order, 25th ID rapidly deploys and dominates across the full range of military operations.” The 25th ID, with its strong history steeped in the bravery and duty of its Soldiers and Families, brings honor and pride to its home at Schofield Barracks and the state of Hawaii.
Now that you’ve learned more about the history of Schofield Barracks, check out more information about the local area including surrounding neighborhoods, housing market, schools, restaurants and recreation at www.hawaiivaloans.com/pcs-hawaii.
Contact a VA Loan Specialist at 808-792-4251 or go to our secure online loan application to get pre-approved for your no down payment VA home loan and become a Hawaii homeowner!
