Contact Information
Eielson AFB Alaska is an Air Force based located close to Moose Creek. The base operates as a training field for the Air Force, not to mention about the close air support and offensive operations. It is named in the memory of Carl Ben Eielson. The main mission of the base is to support a few forces in the Pacific. Until 2007, it was a major part of most wars the United States had with bombers and fighters deployed all over the world.
History
The construction began in 1943. The new airfield was located close to another popular fort in the area – Fort Wainwright. However, after multiple tests, the authorities decided it was not good enough for such a construction, therefore they moved the construction site 26 miles away. The actual construction began in the summer with two long runaways, as well as an operating building, a small hospital and multiple homes for the inhabitants. The whole site covered about 600 acres. The construction was finished in 1944, after 14 months and over $8M spent. During World War II, the base didn’t play a very major role. It was mostly used as a “pit stop”. It was shut down as soon as the war ended.
As the Cold War began, the site was reopened, but not at its full capacity. Eielson AFB Alaska was mostly a satellite base for a close camp – Ladd Field. By 1949, it became an independent base and its main objectives included support for the Arctic training and defense for the base itself. The 5010th Wing joined the base in 1949 and represented the main unit for not less than 34 years.
The base went through a series of upgrades starting with 1950. Many of them are still standing today. It took a few years for a relatively small and insignificant base to become one of the most advanced ones on the United States territory. In 1989, it became a Superfund spot, which means the area was found to be intoxicated with hazardous and dangerous substances. The Superfund status implies deep cleaning activities for a safer environment for the inhabitants. In 2005, the base went through a second crisis, when the authorities proposed to close it. However, it remained opened and still activates today.
Units
The most important unit at Eielson AFB Alaska is the 354th Fighter Wing. Its objective is to prepare and train professional pilots to be dispatched in various parts of the world to serve the interests of the United States of America. The unit consists of more groups, such as the 354th Operations Group, the 354th Fighter Wing, the 354th Medical Group, the 354th Mission Support Group and the 354th Maintenance Group. Among the inhabitants, you can also count six tenant units.
Housing
With multiple facilities to satisfy the needs of the newcomers and the current personnel, the Eielson Housing Management Office is ready to deal with you as a priority. You benefit from a user friendly service that provides access to both on site and off site accommodation, depending on your rank, budget and necessities.
