In November 23, 1934 the Kapolei military reservation was named after Brig. General John D. Barrette. Two 16-inch 50 caliber Mk. II MI naval guns named “Battery Hatch” commanded the leeward coastline below the Fort. The battery was also equipped with an antiaircraft battery consisting of four 3-inch M1917 AA guns in a square. The guns were transported to the fort on the plantation rail. The guns were proof fired in April 1936, but never saw combat.
Numerous building still stand around Fort Barrette: barracks, pill boxes, a spotting tower, plotting and switchboard post and a number of reinforced magazines, making a historic back-drop to our 3-D archery range.
Check out these old WWII pictures of Fort Barrette!
If you had a gun that big, you’d be smiling too!