EIELSON AFB
AIR FORCE
Fairbanks, AK
United States
EIELSON AFB
AIR FORCE
Fairbanks, AK
United States
Eielson AFB
Base Essentials
Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska! Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) traces its beginnings to 1943, when an airfield was built to support an Army airfield named after Major Arthur K Ladd near Fort Wainwright. During the Cold War, the base hosted heavy bomber wings and fighter wings among other composite squadrons. Today, the base is home to the 354th Fighter Wing of the 11th Air Force and part of the Pacific Air Forces. Today Eielson AFB covers more than 63,195 acres southeast of Fairbanks and boasts the second longest runway in America! The base hosts a grand total of 10,756 personnel of which 1,797 ar...
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
PACAF
Status
Active
Est.
1944
Acres
63,200
Active Duty
3,000
Civilian
1,000
Population
100,000
Economic Impact
$700 million
Eielson AFB History
Named AfterCarl Ben Eielson (Arctic aviation pioneer; former Army Air Service pilot)
Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska, was established in 1944 and named after Carl Ben Eielson, an Arctic aviation pioneer. During the Cold War it was a key northern defense outpost against the Soviet Union. Today Eielson is home to the 354th Fighter Wing and has received two squadrons of F-35A Lightning II aircraft as part of a major beddown that included significant infrastructure investment. The base also hosts the RED FLAG-Alaska large force exercises, which leverage the vast Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. Eielson's strategic location makes it increasingly important to Arctic and Indo-Pacific operations.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
354th Fighter Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1944
Established as Mile 26 Satellite Field
1948
Redesignated Eielson Air Force Base
2021
F-35As Arrive; Arctic Aggressor Squadron Established
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View Key Moments
(3)
1944
Established as Mile 26 Satellite Field
The airfield opened in 1944 near Fairbanks, Alaska, as a satellite installation supporting WWII operations and the Alaska-Siberia Lend-Lease air route. It was later renamed in honor of Carl Ben Eielson, the pioneering Alaskan aviator who first flew across the Arctic.
1948
Redesignated Eielson Air Force Base
The installation was designated Eielson Air Force Base in 1948, cementing its role as a key Arctic strategic base during the early Cold War. Its remote location made it critical for northern defense and reconnaissance operations.
2021
F-35As Arrive; Arctic Aggressor Squadron Established
The 354th Fighter Wing received its first F-35A Lightning IIs in 2021, completing a major modernization of Eielson's combat aircraft. The installation also hosts the Air Force's only Arctic-based aggressor squadron, providing realistic adversary training for Pacific forces.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Eielson AFB.
Eielson AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Eielson AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Eielson AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Eielson AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
354th Force Support Squadron — Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
Phone
(907) 377-2178Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630; closed 2nd Tuesday 0730–0930 for training
In-Processing
Upon arrival, personnel immediately contact their sponsor and report to their Commander's Support Staff the next duty day. The CSS registers all inbound members for Pioneer Start — Eielson's mandatory wing-sponsored newcomer orientation covering the base mission, arctic survival safety, and available support services. This orientation is essential given Eielson's sub-arctic location in interior Alaska.
In-processing also includes a weekly Military Personnel Flight (MPF) briefing held every Tuesday from 0800–1230, followed by a clinic in-processing session at the 354th Medical Clinic from 1330–1630. After-hours arrivals report to the Goldrush Inn lodging office (540 North Street), which operates 24/7.
Eielson AFB is home to the 354th Fighter Wing (F-35A) and is located roughly 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The extreme winter environment — temperatures can reach -50°F — makes pre-arrival preparation critical. The M&FRC provides an Alaska-specific newcomer guide with cold-weather readiness information.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Eielson AFB.
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Cost of Living Around Eielson AFB
120
20% Above National Average
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Eielson AFB.
School Liaison Officer
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Middle Schools
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High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Popular Neighborhood
Suburban
Families
Short Commute
Neighborhood details coming soon
Nearby Community
Urban
Singles
Nightlife
Neighborhood details coming soon
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Eielson AFB.
State Income Tax
Military Pay
Retirement Pay
Vehicle Tax
Vehicle Registration
Coming soon
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Property Tax
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Spouse Income Tax
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Combat Zone
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Pet Policies at Eielson AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Eielson AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
—
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
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Pet Guidance
Coming soon
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Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Eielson AFB.
Commissary
1
Eielson AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
354th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
Coming soon
MWR & Recreation
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Eielson AFB.
01
Are the base gates open 24 hours?
All 1 gates at Eielson AFB operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access levels vary by gate — some are restricted to military and DoD ID holders only.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Eielson AFB.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Eielson AFB.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.