Where is the Military Base in Alaska?
Alaska, being the largest state in the United States by land area, plays a crucial role in the country’s defense strategy. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and Russia, Alaska is home to several military bases that play a vital role in ensuring national security. In this article, we will explore the military bases in Alaska, their purpose, and what makes them significant.
Fort Wainwright: The Largest Military Base in Alaska
Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, Fort Wainwright is the largest military base in the state, covering an area of over 642 acres. The base is a United States Army installation, home to the U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK), which is responsible for preparing and deploying soldiers for deployment to various parts of the world. Fort Wainwright is also the base of the 101st Sustainment Brigade (101st SB) and the 5th Engineer Battalion (5th EN Bn). The base has a rich history, dating back to 1939 when it was established as an airstrip.
Elmendorf Air Force Base: A Key Installation
Located in Anchorage, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force Base is a United States Air Force (USAF) installation, covering an area of approximately 8,000 acres. The base is home to the 3rd Wing, 18th Aggressor Squadron, and 96th Air Refueling Squadron. Elmendorf Air Force Base plays a vital role in the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) mission, providing air refueling, cargo transport, and medical evacuation capabilities. The base has a rich history, dating back to 1941 when it was established as an airfield.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson: A Unique Installation
In 2010, the Department of Defense (DoD) consolidated Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, an United States Army (USA) installation, into a single base known as Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). JBER is one of the largest military installations in the world, covering an area of approximately 17,000 acres. The base is home to approximately 25,000 active-duty personnel, civilians, and contractors. JBER is a key hub for military operations in the Asia-Pacific region, providing support to military units deployed to the region.
Fort Greely: A Key Missile Defense Installation
Located in Delta Junction, Alaska, Fort Greely is a United States Army (USA) installation, covering an area of approximately 635 acres. The base is home to the 62nd Aerial Defense Artillery Regiment, which is responsible for protecting the Gates of the Arctic (the northernmost part of North America) from ballistic missile threats. Fort Greely is a key installation in the DoD’s Pac-3 Patriot missile defense system, which provides layered defense against ballistic missile threats.
Other Military Installations in Alaska
While Fort Wainwright, Elmendorf Air Force Base, and Fort Greely are the most prominent military installations in Alaska, there are several other military bases and facilities in the state. These include:
- Clear Air Force Station: A United States Air Force (USAF) radar facility located near Clear, Alaska.
- Cold Bay Air Force Station: A United States Air Force (USAF) radar facility located in Cold Bay, Alaska.
- Kodiak Island Naval Air Station: A United States Navy (USN) facility located in Kodiak, Alaska.
- Whittier Naval Operating Base: A United States Navy (USN) facility located in Whittier, Alaska.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alaska is home to several military bases that play a vital role in ensuring national security. From Fort Wainwright, the largest military base in the state, to Elmendorf Air Force Base, and Fort Greely, these installations are critical components of the DoD’s military strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. Whether providing air refueling, cargo transport, medical evacuation, or missile defense capabilities, these bases are essential to maintaining a strong military presence in Alaska.
Table: Major Military Installations in Alaska
| Installation | Location | Service Branch | Primary Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wainwright | Fairbanks, AK | US Army | Training and Deployment |
| Elmendorf Air Force Base | Anchorage, AK | US Air Force | Air Refueling and Cargo Transport |
| Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson | Anchorage, AK | US Air Force and US Army | Air Refueling, Cargo Transport, and Medical Evacuation |
| Fort Greely | Delta Junction, AK | US Army | Ballistic Missile Defense |
| Clear Air Force Station | Clear, AK | US Air Force | Radar Surveillance |
| Cold Bay Air Force Station | Cold Bay, AK | US Air Force | Radar Surveillance |
| Kodiak Island Naval Air Station | Kodiak, AK | US Navy | Helicopter Operations |
| Whittier Naval Operating Base | Whittier, AK | US Navy | Maritime Operations |
Additional Information
For more information on the military bases in Alaska, please visit the official websites of the installations mentioned above. Additionally, you can contact the public affairs offices of the individual services or the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs for more information.
References:
- United States Army Alaska. (n.d.). Fort Wainwright. Retrieved from https://home.army.mil/wainwright/
- United States Air Force. (n.d.). Elmendorf Air Force Base. Retrieved from https://www.elmendorf.af.mil/
- United States Department of Defense. (n.d.). Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Retrieved from https://www.jber.mil/
- United States Army. (n.d.). Fort Greely. Retrieved from https://home.army.mil/greely/
