A Historic Symbol is Damaged at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

On the morning of January 14th, a winter storm dropped an inch of rain on Midway Atoll in only 30 minutes. The weight of that water, combined with the storm’s 40 knot winds, caused the historic, 81-year-old Seaplane Hangar to partially collapse.

The west side of the Seaplane Hangar on Midway Atoll that partially collapsed during a major storm. Click here for a bike around view by Daniel Rapp.

This is not the first time the hangar was damaged: it sustained extensive damage from bombs dropped during the Battle of Midway in 1941, shown in this image that was captured in the aftermath of that attack.

The original hangar was twice its current size. This image was captured after the December 7th, 1941, attack on Midway showing the southern (left) half still standing. Damage from the Battle of Midway was much more substantial and the Navy only rebuilt the northern (right) half. Photo Credit: Marines at Midway

The seaplane hangar represents Midway’s World War II era, symbolizing the sacrifice of the thousands of servicemen who defended the atoll against multiple attacks by the Japanese during the war. All who have lived and served on Midway share sadness for its loss.

Bombs dropped during the Battle of Midway caused extensive damage to the Seaplane Hangar. This image was captured in the aftermath of that attack. Photo Credit: National Archives

When the Japanese attacked Midway on December 7, 1941, just hours after their assault on Pearl Harbor, the seaplane hangar was hit by multiple shells and severely damaged. It was hit again during the Battle of Midway just six months later, an easy target and by far the largest and most conspicuous building on Sand Island. original hangar was twice its current size, but after the Battle of Midway, the Navy decided to keep and repair only the northern half of the building.

Shrapnel damage from the Battle of Midway inside of the Seaplane Hangar. Photo Credit: Jon Brack

To this day, the footprint of the original, complete structure can be seen outlined in the concrete, along with damage from shells that fell during the Battle of Midway. After the war, the Navy stopped flying seaplanes and the hangar was mostly used for storage, offices, and even berthing space.

Damage to the concrete from the Battle of Midway where the southern half of the Seaplane Hangar once stood. Photo Credit: Jon Brack

Almost all of the original structures built at Naval Air Station Midway in the early 1940s were designed by Albert Kahn, including the Officer in Charge house (now called the Midway House), the mall and theater, the command post, and the seaplane hangar.

Because of this recent storm damage, the seaplane hangar is now a hazard to both wildlife and people. Plans are being formulated for its removal. However, pieces of the building will be saved and plans are currently underway with the support of Friends of Midway Atoll to memorialize the history it has represented for over eight decades.

Looking towards the partially collapsed Seaplane Hangar and other historic buildings on Midway from near the Parade Grounds. Midway is the largest albatross nesting site on the planet. Photo Credit: Daniel Rapp

If you have any memories of the seaplane hangar, we would love to hear them below in the comments. The loss of this symbolic building is emotionally significant for many who have lived and served on Midway; let us remember and honor its place in history.

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