 On February 20 , 1970 , the 4 @,@ 000 @-@ foot ( 1 @,@ 200 m ) runway at NALF Ford Island was opened to civilian flight training operations , primarily local Army , Navy , Air Force and Marine Corps flying clubs . Itinerant military helicopter training activities also continued at NALF Ford Island during this period . Hawaii ( which achieved statehood in 1959 ) contracted with the US Navy to allow touch @-@ and @-@ go landings until 1972 , when the airfield was opened to students making their first solo flights . The island 's use as a training center helped relieve congestion at nearby Honolulu International Airport . After its active @-@ duty commission on February 1 , 1973 the Third Fleet moved its headquarters to Ford Island , where it remained until its 1991 move to San Diego . The island remained home to Navy officers and several naval headquarters . 
