Military Bases in Alaska
The unofficial guide to life in Alaska for military families.
Air Force Bases
Eielson AFB
Located in Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska
Eielson AFB sits near Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, serving as a key installation for the United States Air Force. Home to the 354th Fighter Wing, it supports Arctic training and joint exercises like RED FLAG-Alaska.
JBER
Located in Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
JBER sits in Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, serving as a joint base for the Air Force and Army. Known for its strategic Arctic location, it supports both air operations and ground forces.
Army Bases
Fort Greely
Located in Delta Junction, Alaska
Fort Greely sits near Delta Junction, Alaska and serves the U.S. Army as a key site for missile defense operations. Known for its role in the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, Fort Greely is crucial to national security.
Fort Wainwright
Located in Fort Wainwright, Alaska
Fort Wainwright in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, is a key U.S. Army installation supporting Arctic training and operations. The base is home to the 11th Airborne Division and offers on-base housing, family support services, and access to schools.
Other Installations
CG Base Kodiak
Located in Kodiak, Alaska
CG Base Kodiak in Kodiak, Alaska, is a major U.S. Coast Guard installation and the largest Coast Guard base in the country. The base supports search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection missions across the North Pacific.
Alaska’s Arctic Defense Frontier
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Alaska, Eielson Air Force Base, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Fort Greely, Fort Wainwright, and Coast Guard Base Kodiak are key installations, supporting Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard missions in the Arctic. These bases anchor U.S. defense in a strategic frontier. This guide to military bases in Alaska offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Last Frontier.
Historical Foundations
Alaska’s military history expanded during WWII. Eielson Air Force Base, established in 1943 as Mile 26 Satellite Field, was named for polar aviator Carl Ben Eielson in 1948, supporting Cold War air operations. Fort Wainwright, founded in 1939 as Ladd Field, became an Army base in 1961, named for Major General Jonathan M. Wainwright. Fort Greely, activated in 1942, evolved into a missile defense site. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, formed in 2010 by merging Elmendorf AFB (1940) and Fort Richardson (1940), unified air and ground operations. Coast Guard Base Kodiak, established in 1941, grew from a naval air station. These bases solidified Alaska’s defense role.
Economic Impact
Alaska’s bases contribute over $3 billion annually, employing 25,000 personnel. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, spanning 63,000 acres, generates $1.5 billion and 12,000 jobs in Anchorage. Fort Wainwright, covering 1.1 million acres, adds $800 million and 7,000 jobs in Fairbanks. Eielson Air Force Base contributes $500 million and 3,500 jobs in North Pole. Fort Greely sustains $100 million and 1,500 jobs in Delta Junction. Coast Guard Base Kodiak generates $150 million and 2,000 jobs in Kodiak. Families access 3,000 housing units, DoDEA schools, and TRICARE clinics, with MWR programs like 2025 Fairbanks aurora tours.
Key Military Facilities
Eielson Air Force Base (North Pole): Hosts the 354th Fighter Wing with F-35As and F-16s, conducting 3,000 sorties, with 3,500 personnel.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Anchorage): Home to the 673rd Air Base Wing and 11th Airborne Division, supporting 4,000 air and ground missions, with 12,000 personnel.
Fort Greely (Delta Junction): Operates the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system, with 1,500 personnel.
Fort Wainwright (Fairbanks): Hosts the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, training 7,000 soldiers, with 7,000 personnel.
Coast Guard Base Kodiak (Kodiak): Supports cutters and HC-130Hs for 1,000 maritime missions, with 2,000 personnel.
Clear Space Force Station (Anderson): Operates early warning radars for missile tracking, with 500 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Alaska’s bases are vital for U.S. Arctic defense. Eielson Air Force Base’s 354th Fighter Wing conducts 3,000 F-35A and F-16 sorties annually, with 2024 operations enhancing air superiority. JBER’s 673rd Air Base Wing and 11th Airborne Division execute 4,000 air and airborne missions, with 2024 exercises testing Arctic mobility. Fort Greely’s missile defense system intercepts 100 simulated threats yearly, with 2024 tests refining capabilities. Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade trains 7,000 soldiers for cold-weather operations. Coast Guard Base Kodiak’s cutters perform 1,000 search-and-rescue and patrol missions. These bases ensure readiness despite unconfirmed 2024 security concerns.
Notable Distinctions
Eielson Air Force Base hosts the Arctic’s largest F-35A fleet. JBER is the only U.S. joint base integrating Air Force and Army under one command. Fort Greely is a key missile defense site. The bases offer 3,000 housing units, DoDEA schools, and MWR events like 2025 Kodiak whale-watching tours, fostering vibrant communities in Alaska’s rugged wilderness.
U.S. service members on PCS to Alaska or TDY in Alaska will find mission-critical roles and resilient communities at Eielson, JBER, Fort Greely, Fort Wainwright, and Kodiak. From Fairbanks’ aurora borealis to Kodiak’s Native Alaskan heritage, Alaska’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable experiences for military families.