 In 1917 , the 6th Aero Squadron was created in Honolulu , with Captain John F. Currey as its commander . Although 50 were assigned , only 49 arrived ; one deserted en route . Currey chose Ford Island as the location for the new squadron and bought it from the John Papa ʻĪʻī land trust for $ 236 @,@ 000 , citing its access to water and winds as assets . When Currey was transferred to Washington , command of the squadron was given to Captain John B. Brooks and then Major Hugh J. Knerr , who built hangars and a runway . Early soldiers had to level the island , removing hills and boulders . 
