The base was hit during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and later served as the hub for all Marine aviation units heading into combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

The base was closed in 1952 because its runways were too short for jet aircraft, and expansion was impossible due to the proximity of Naval Air Station Barbers Point.

Private William Turner and Sergeant Emil Peters also fired at the Japanese planes from a tail gunner's position on a grounded SBD dive bombers.

Ewa was officially closed on 18 June 1952, and its property assumed by Naval Air Station Barbers Point.

[5] In 2018 The Louis Berger company was commissioned by Hunt Development Corp (Ford Island properties) to provide an Ewa Battlefield preservation plan.