The Defense of Henderson Field, Guadalcanal

US forces can defend airbases more effectively in the future by analyzing and applying the lessons learned from Americas premier example of airbase defense Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. The Marines established three defense rings in each domain an inner intermediate and outer ring. US forces had to defend against Japanese ground, air, and naval attacks. The defenders were tested daily and the Japanese made three noteworthy combined arms attacks aimed at recapturing Henderson Fjeld the Battle of the Tenaru the Battle of Edsons Bloody Ridge and the Battle of Henderson Field. US forces emerged from these combined arms battles victorious. Many of the lessons learned at GUlildalcanal have been forgotten because of the historically unprecedented military dominance the US maintains. Todays airbase defenders must have the organic capability to conduct static and mobile ground defense and to provide direct, indirect, anti-armor, and anti-aircraft fires. This must be augmented by enhanced anti-armor, air and missile defense, and anti-ship capabilities. This will ensure American airbases are secure and the US maintains air dominance