Where is Eielson Air Force Base?
Eielson Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, approximately 25 miles southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. The base is situated in the interior of Alaska, near the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Chena River.
History of Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson Air Force Base was named after Carlile A. Eielson, a pioneering aviator who was born in 1897 and died in 1929. Eielson was a prominent figure in Alaskan aviation, and he played a crucial role in the development of air transportation in the region. The base was established in 1943 as a training facility for bomber pilots, and it has since undergone numerous transformations and expansions.
Mission and Role of Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson Air Force Base is a strategic location that plays a critical role in the United States’ military operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The base is home to the 155th Air Force Expeditionary Wing, which is responsible for providing airpower to combatant commanders worldwide. The base also serves as a forward operating location for F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, which are deployed to the base for training and exercises.
Units and Operations at Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson Air Force Base is home to several units and operations, including:
• 155th Air Force Expeditionary Wing: The wing is responsible for providing airpower to combatant commanders worldwide.
• F-16 Fighting Falcon: The base is a forward operating location for F-16 fighter jets, which are deployed to the base for training and exercises.
• Air Expeditionary Force: The base is responsible for deploying AEF units to support operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Air Mobility Command: The base is a staging area for AMC aircraft, which provide airlift support to military operations worldwide.
• Tanker Airlift Control Element: The base is home to TACE, which is responsible for managing tanker aircraft operations in support of military operations.
Facilities and Infrastructure at Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson Air Force Base has a range of facilities and infrastructure, including:
• Runway: The base has a single runway, which is approximately 8,600 feet long and 150 feet wide.
• Aircraft Parking: The base has a range of aircraft parking areas, including taxiways, aprons, and hardstands.
• Maintenance Hangars: The base has several maintenance hangars, which provide repair and maintenance services for aircraft.
• Base Operations: The base has a range of base operations facilities, including a control tower, radar facilities, and communication centers.
• Housing: The base has a range of housing options for military personnel and their families, including on-base and off-base housing.
Demographics and Economy
Eielson Air Force Base is a significant employer in the Fairbanks, Alaska region, with over 3,000 military and civilian personnel working at the base. The base also generates significant economic activity in the region, with an estimated annual economic impact of over $100 million.
Conclusion
Eielson Air Force Base is a strategic location that plays a critical role in the United States’ military operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The base is home to several units and operations, including the 155th Air Force Expeditionary Wing and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The base has a range of facilities and infrastructure, including a runway, aircraft parking areas, maintenance hangars, and base operations facilities. Eielson Air Force Base is a significant employer in the Fairbanks, Alaska region, and it generates significant economic activity in the region.
Table: Eielson Air Force Base Units and Operations
| Unit/Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| 155th Air Force Expeditionary Wing | Provides airpower to combatant commanders worldwide |
| F-16 Fighting Falcon | Forward operating location for F-16 fighter jets |
| Air Expeditionary Force | Deploys AEF units to support operations in the Asia-Pacific region |
| Air Mobility Command | Staging area for AMC aircraft |
| Tanker Airlift Control Element | Manages tanker aircraft operations in support of military operations |
Bullets: Eielson Air Force Base Facts
• Located in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, approximately 25 miles southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska
• Named after Carlile A. Eielson, a pioneering aviator who was born in 1897 and died in 1929
• Established in 1943 as a training facility for bomber pilots
• Home to the 155th Air Force Expeditionary Wing and the F-16 Fighting Falcon
• Provides airpower to combatant commanders worldwide
• Generates significant economic activity in the Fairbanks, Alaska region
• Has a range of facilities and infrastructure, including a runway, aircraft parking areas, maintenance hangars, and base operations facilities
