FORT WAINWRIGHT
ARMY
Fairbanks, AK
United States
FORT WAINWRIGHT
ARMY
Fairbanks, AK
United States
Fort Wainwright
The Army in Alaska
Base Essentials
Home of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Fairbanks, Alaska — an extreme cold-weather posting with unique training, extraordinary outdoor recreation, and full OCONUS allowances.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
USARPAC
Status
Active
Est.
1939
Acres
13,700
Active Duty
6,000
Civilian
2,000
Population
100,000
Economic Impact
$1.2 billion
Fort Wainwright History
Named AfterGeneral Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright IV (Medal of Honor)
Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, was established in 1939 and named after General Jonathan Wainwright, the Medal of Honor recipient who endured captivity after the fall of the Philippines in World War II. It is home to the 11th Airborne Division (reactivated in 2022), the Army's primary Arctic-focused unit. The installation provides cold-weather and Arctic training opportunities in some of the most extreme conditions in the U.S. military's portfolio. Fort Wainwright is central to the Army's Arctic strategy as competition for resources and access in the polar regions intensifies.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
11th Airborne Division
—
—
Historic Timeline
1940
Ladd Field Established for Cold-Weather Testing
1942
Northern Terminus of ALSIB Lend-Lease Route
1961
Army Reassumes Control; Renamed Fort Wainwright
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1940
Ladd Field Established for Cold-Weather Testing
Construction of Ladd Field began in 1940 in Fairbanks, Alaska, designed as a cold-weather testing ground for Army aircraft and arctic equipment.
1942
Northern Terminus of ALSIB Lend-Lease Route
In 1942, Ladd Field became the northern terminal of the Alaska-Siberia air delivery route, where nearly 8,000 U.S. aircraft were transferred to Soviet aircrews under Lend-Lease between 1942 and 1945.
1961
Army Reassumes Control; Renamed Fort Wainwright
On January 1, 1961, the Army renamed the installation Fort Wainwright in honor of General Jonathan M. Wainwright, who received the Medal of Honor for his defense and eventual surrender of Allied forces in the Philippines in 1942.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Wainwright.
Fort Wainwright Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Wainwright.
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 Fort Wainwright.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Wainwright.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Tanana Loop Soldier and Family Readiness Center — Relocation Readiness
Phone
(907) 353-7300Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Report to the Welcome Center at Building 3401, Santiago Avenue during duty hours (Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM). Call (907) 353-2273 in advance.
After duty hours or on holidays, report to Building 3419 or call (907) 353-4311. In-processing typically takes approximately 5 business days.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
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 Fort Wainwright.
On-post housing at Fort Wainwright is managed by North Haven Communities and includes 2–5 bedroom homes across neighborhoods such as Bear Paw, Taku Gardens, and Tanana Trails — all with heated garages to handle Alaska winters. Utilities are included in the monthly BAH. Off-post families most commonly settle in Fairbanks, North Pole, or the Moose Creek area along the…
Local Market
$1,750/mo
rent
/
$330,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Fort Wainwright
120
20% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Wainwright.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
Elementary Schools
Coming soon
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Middle Schools
Coming soon
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High Schools
Coming soon
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Colleges & Universities
Coming soon
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Fort Wainwright is located on the outskirts of Fairbanks in Alaska's Interior, where winters are among the most severe in the continental United States — temperatures regularly reach -40°F. Despite the extreme climate, many soldiers and families grow to love the lifestyle: the summer midnight sun, the aurora borealis in winter, world-class outdoor recreation, and a tight-knit military and Alaskan community.
Fairbanks
Small Town
Fairbanks is the only real city near Fort Wainwright and serves as the hub of life for soldiers stationed there. It's a small Interior Alaska city with a University of Alaska campus, a walkable downtown, and a range of supporting services. The winters are extreme — temperatures regularly hit -40°F — but the Aurora Borealis, midnight sun summers, and tight-knit military-civilian community make it a memorable and often beloved assignment.
Commute: 10–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (Richardson Hwy)
Schools: Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Families with kids
Single service members
Outdoorsy types
Access to Chena Hot Springs, Denali National Park, white-water rafting on the Chena River, and world-class aurora viewing. The UAF campus adds a college-town energy. Summer brings nearly 24 hours of daylight.
North Pole
Small Town
North Pole is a small city just east of Fairbanks that's long been popular with military families from Wainwright who want a slightly quieter, more suburban feel. It's named for its Christmas-themed branding and has a quirky local character. Housing is affordable, yards are large, and it's close enough to Fairbanks for all amenities while offering a bit more space and calm.
Commute: 15–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (Richardson Hwy)
Schools: Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Families with kids
Pet owners
Budget-friendly
Quieter than Fairbanks with a distinct small-town charm. Santa Claus House is a local landmark. Large lots give families room to breathe. Close to the Salcha River and several state recreation areas.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Wainwright.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax. Active duty pay, military retirement, and all allowances are comp…
Spouse Income Tax
No state income tax means MSRRA has no practical effect. Military spouses owe zero Alaska income tax on wages. Note that…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident service members stationed in Alaska are not required to transfer title or registration to Alaska while there…
Property Tax
Veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability are exempt from property taxes on the first $150,000 of assessed value o…
Resources
Pet Policies at Fort Wainwright
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Wainwright.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Wainwright Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(907) 353-2910Hours
Mon–Thu 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 – 4:00 PM; Fri by appointment only
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
6
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Wainwright.
Commissary
1
Fort Wainwright Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–6pm
Medical
1
Bassett Army Community Hospital — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
3
Fitness Center
Swimming Pool
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Wainwright.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (Gaffney Road) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Fort Wainwright Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Daily 10am–7pm.
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03
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Wainwright has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–6pm.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Bassett Army Community Hospital is the primary military treatment hospital serving Fort Wainwright. Call (907) 361-4218 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Wainwright has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Wainwright restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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07
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Fort Wainwright Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at Fort Wainwright.
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08
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Wainwright has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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09
Is military pay taxed in Alaska?
Alaska has no state income tax, so military members at Fort Wainwright owe no state taxes on military pay, allowances, or retirement income.
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10
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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11
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 Fort Wainwright.
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12
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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13
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 Fort Wainwright.
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Question
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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.