A Legacy in Hawaiian Artillery

1854

King Kamehameha III reorganizes the Hawaiian Militia, establishing a formal Artillery Detachment — the first organized artillery force in the islands.

1874

King David Kalākaua establishes the Prince's Own Artillery Corps, one of five companies of the Hawaiian Army. Commanded by Curtis P. Iaukea and James Harbottle Boyd, the corps served until the Bayonet Constitution reorganization of 1889.

1895

Following the overthrow of the monarchy, Company D of the Republic's National Guard becomes an artillery battery, receiving 12-pound Driggs-Schroeder breech-loading cannons — later restored by the 1-487th FA.

1941 – 45

Unit predecessors provide crucial coastal artillery defense of the Hawaiian Islands following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The battalion earns a Meritorious Unit Commendation for the Central Pacific campaign.

1965

The unit converts to the 487th Artillery under the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade. COL Francis A.I. "Miki" Bowers, Jr. becomes the first commander; the Wahiawa Armory is later named in his honor.

2004 – 2005

The 1-487th FA deploys twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, performing security and convoy escort operations. Subsequent deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

2008 – 2009

The 1-487 FAR deploys to Kuwait as part of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, providing base defense, force protection, and convoy security across Camp Arifjan and Camp Virginia during the theater transition.

2019

The 1-487th FA becomes the first field artillery unit in U.S. history to perform the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) protection mission — a landmark in American military history.