SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Island News) – The 25th Infantry Division is set to celebrate its 84th birthday with Tropic Lighting Week from December 8 to 11, 2025, featuring a series of events at Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield.
The festivities will commemorate the Division’s formation on October 1, 1941, and its notable World War II service on Guadalcanal, which earned it the nickname “Tropic Lightning.”
The Guadalcanal Cup, the event’s highlight, will be awarded during the closing ceremony on December 11. Throughout Tropic Lightning Week, events will take place throughout the Weyand Field, Stoneman Sports Complex, Watts Field, Martinez Gym, Conroy Bowl, and other venues on Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield.
Soldiers will compete in Hawaii-unique contests highlighting fitness, teamwork, and the Division’s Pacific heritage. Participants will get to participate in activities like a talent show, combative tournaments, field kitchen and light fighter cook-offs, standup paddleboard races, and more.
View the full list of events below:
- Combative Tournament (Dec. 8–10)
- Venue: Conroy Bowl (primary venue support provided by U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii
- Finals and awards coverage recommended on Dec. 10.
- Field Kitchen and Light Fighter Cook-Off (Dec. 10)
- Soldiers demonstrate “field-expedient” culinary skills and ingenuity, strong visuals and interview opportunities.
- Marksmanship and FPV Drone Competition (Dec. 8–9)
- Modern lethality and innovation on display; excellent B-roll opportunities.
- Standup Paddleboard Race and Surf Competition (Dec. 09) at Haleiwa Beach
- Soldiers will compete in Hawaii-unique contests highlighting fitness, teamwork, and the Division’s Pacific heritage.
- Tropic Lightning’s Got Talent (Dec 08)
- 5:00 p.m.: Family-friendly showcase with veteran participation encouraged.
- Closing Ceremony and Guadalcanal Cup Presentation (Dec. 11)
- 11:30 a.m. at Weyand Field; awards, honors, and Commanding General closing remarks; planned aviation flyover support.
Traffic advisories are in place for December 8 and 11, with road closures and delays expected. Attendees are advised to follow Military Police instructions for safe traffic flow…