Pacific Wrecks
Pacific Wrecks    
  Missing In Action (MIA) Prisoners Of War (POW) Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)  
Chronology Locations Aircraft Ships Submit Info How You Can Help Donate
 
    Barking Sands Airfield (Pacific Missile Range Facility) Hawaii United States
Location
Lat 22° 1' 22N Long 159° 47' 6W  Barking Sands Airfield is located at an elevation of 22' above sea level at Barking Sands on the west coast of Kauai. To the southeast is Kekaha. Also known as "Barking Sands Field" or "Barking Sands Station". Prewar and during the Pacific War part of the Territory of Hawaii (Hawaii Territory). Today known as Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) as a military facility in Hawaii in the United States of America.

Construction
During 1921, Barking Sands was acquired by the Kekaha Sugar Company and developed as a landing ground for private aircraft. In 1940 the US Army acquired the area and named it "Mana Airport" and paved the runway. During 1941 expanded with hangers and facilities for private aircraft.

Wartime History
After the start of the Pacific War, this airfield was was utilized by fighters and bomber units prior to deployment overseas.

American units based at Barking Sands Airfield
18th FG, 78th FS (P-40) ?–Jan 23, 1943 departs Midway returns April 23, 1943–July 31, 1943 departs Haleiwa
30th BG, 819th BS (B-24) US arrives Oct 22, 1943–Nov 10, 1943 departs Canton returns Nov 12, 1943 Wheeler
494th BG, 864th BS (B-24) ?–September 30, 1944 Angaur
494th BG, 865th BS (B-24) ?–September 30, 1944 Angaur
494th BG, 866th BS (B-24) ?–September 30, 1944 Angaur
494th BG, 867th BS (B-24) ?–September 30, 1944 Angaur

Postwar
During 1954 renamed "Bonham Air Force Base" or "Bonham AFB" but was primarily used by the U.S. Navy (USN) for missle testing including the Regulus I. By 1958 the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) was established at this location. In 1964, the Pacific Missile Range Facility and Bonham were officially transferred to US Navy, becoming the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands. The single runway is 6,006' surfaced with asphalt. Airport code: IATA: BKH, ICAO: PHBK, FAA LID: BKH.

Today
Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) has a single runway oriented 34/16 that measures 6,000' x 146' surfaced with asphalt. At the main gate entrance is displayed at SH-3D Sea King 154106.

References
Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands - Official Website

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
January 1, 2023

 

Map
Map Fallingrain
  Discussion Forum Daily Updates Reviews Museums Interviews & Oral Histories  
 
Pacific Wrecks Inc. All rights reserved.
Donate Now Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram