JOINT BASE ELMENDORF – RICHARDSON
JOINT BASES
Anchorage, AK
United States
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF – RICHARDSON
JOINT BASES
Anchorage, AK
United States
Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson
Base Essentials
Alaska's premier joint Air Force-Army installation in Anchorage — home to F-22 fighters, C-17 airlift, and Stryker brigades with extraordinary outdoor recreation and unique OCONUS allowances.
Base Details
Type
Joint Base
Branch
JOINT BASES
Command
PACAF
Status
Active
Est.
2010
Acres
13,100
Active Duty
7,000
Civilian
4,000
Population
400,000
Economic Impact
$2.6 billion
Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson History
Named AfterCaptain Hugh M. Elmendorf; Brigadier General Wilds P. Richardson
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, was formed in 2010 by merging Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson. It is home to the 11th Air Force, the 3rd Wing (flying F-22 Raptors and C-17s), and the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) of the 25th Infantry Division. JBER is the primary military installation in Alaska and plays a key role in Arctic defense, Pacific power projection, and homeland security. The presence of F-22s makes it one of the Air Force's most strategically positioned fighter bases.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
3rd Wing (F-22 / C-17)
—
—
11th Air Force
—
—
JBER Garrison
—
—
Historic Timeline
1940
Elmendorf Field Established for Alaskan Defense
1942
Aleutian Campaign Launched from Elmendorf
2010
Merged as Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1940
Elmendorf Field Established for Alaskan Defense
Elmendorf Field was established in 1940 near Anchorage, Alaska, to defend against potential Japanese aggression in the Pacific. Named for Captain Hugh M. Elmendorf, a pursuit pilot killed in a 1933 crash, it became the headquarters for Alaskan Air Command during WWII.
1942
Aleutian Campaign Launched from Elmendorf
Elmendorf served as the primary logistics and command hub for the Aleutian Islands campaign of 1942–1943, the only WWII battle fought on North American soil. The campaign drove Japanese forces from Attu and Kiska islands after months of brutal fighting.
2010
Merged as Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Elmendorf AFB and Fort Richardson were merged on October 1, 2010, under the BRAC process to form Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). JBER is the largest military installation in Alaska and home to both the 11th Airborne Division and Alaskan Command.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
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 Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
Military Training
Bear Attack at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Leaves Two Soldiers Injured
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Information
Explore Activities Near JBER in Anchorage, Alaska
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Information
Welcome to Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson: Your Comprehensive Guide
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Entertainment
7 Mouthwatering Dining Choices Near Anchorage Air Force Base
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Information
Why the Alaska Zoo Near JBER Is One of the Nation's Most Unique Zoos
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
673rd Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson report to their service-specific in-processing office — Air Force members to the 673rd ABW MPF/CSS, Army members to their unit S1. JBER is a large joint installation and the largest military base in Alaska — confirm the specific office for your branch and unit with your sponsor before arrival. After-hours arrivals report to the Aurora Inn (Air Force side) or Birch Hill Recreational Area (Army side).
All permanent-party members attend the mandatory Sourdough Welcome Newcomer's Orientation, covering JBER's joint Army/Air Force mission, arctic safety, Alaska living resources, and Anchorage area community information. The A&FRC at (907) 552-4943 coordinates relocation assistance and provides the comprehensive "Alaska Living" newcomer guide.
JBER is home to the 3rd Wing (F-22 Raptor, F-35A, C-17), the 176th Wing (ANG), and the Army's 4-25 ABCT. Located adjacent to Anchorage — Alaska's largest city — JBER offers outstanding outdoor recreation and a unique quality of life. Pre-arrival planning is critical given Alaska's unique vehicle and household goods shipping requirements.
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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 Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
On-post family housing at JBER is managed through separate Air Force (Aurora Communities, managed by Balfour Beatty) and Army (Birch Hill/JBER Communities) programs. Contact the appropriate housing office for your branch. Given Alaska's unique logistics and harsh winters, many families opt for on-post housing. JBER is co-located with Anchorage — Alaska's largest cit…
Local Market
$2,000/mo
rent
/
$400,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson
125
25% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Program Manager
3
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
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is a combined Army and Air Force installation in Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and a genuinely functional mid-sized urban environment despite its remote location. The lifestyle — aurora borealis, midnight sun, world-class fishing and hiking, Denali day trips — is life-changing for most families. The trade-off is Alaska's high cost of living and the logistical complexity of Arctic winters.
Eagle River
Suburban
A suburban community northeast of Anchorage in the Chugach Mountains, Eagle River is consistently cited as Anchorage families' favorite neighborhood for its combination of outdoor access, Anchorage School District schools (some of ASD's best are in Eagle River), newer housing, and community character. The commute to JBER via the Glenn Highway runs 20–25 minutes. Eagle River has full retail and a small-city feel within Anchorage's municipality.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Anchorage School District
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Most popular Anchorage suburb for military, Chugach Mountain access, top ASD schools, Eagle River Nature Center, strong community
South Anchorage / Hillside
Suburban
The Hillside neighborhoods of south Anchorage offer mature, established properties with spectacular Chugach Mountain views and immediate trailhead access. Anchorage School District serves the area. Housing is among the most expensive in Anchorage, and properties come with moose in the yard as a standard feature. Many senior officers and retirees choose Hillside for the views and the sense of living in wild Alaska while being 15 minutes from every amenity.
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Anchorage School District
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Families with kids
Pet owners
Chugach Mountain backdrop, immediate trail access, moose neighbors, most scenic Anchorage neighborhoods, upper-end Alaska living
Midtown / Government Hill
Urban
For families who want the most affordable housing with the shortest JBER commute, Government Hill (immediately adjacent to the base's main gate) and midtown Anchorage neighborhoods offer older housing stock at lower prices. Anchorage School District serves the area. Midtown has the densest retail and restaurant concentration in Anchorage, including the Dimond Center Mall area. Not as scenic as Eagle River or Hillside, but extremely convenient.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Anchorage School District
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Closest to JBER, most retail options in Anchorage, lowest prices near the base, urban convenience
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
Yes
Military Pay Details
Alaska has no state income tax. All military pay, special pays, allowances included in gross income, and retirement are…
Spouse Income Tax
Alaska has no state income tax. Military spouses are not subject to Alaska income tax regardless of their state of legal…
Vehicle Registration
Alaska has no statewide sales tax. Vehicle registration is handled by the DMV and municipalities. Military members may m…
Property Tax
No state-level property tax. Borough and municipal property taxes apply and vary. Anchorage has no municipal sales tax.…
Pet Policies at Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
Commissary
1
Anchorage Area Commissary (JBER)
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Medical
1
673rd Medical Group (JBER Hospital) — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Richardson Gate 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
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 Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
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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 Joint Base Elmendorf – Richardson.
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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.