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Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska

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Eielson Air Force Base, within reach of Fairbanks, Alaska, is home to the 354th Fighter Wing, with a mission to maintain “combat-ready airpower, advanced integration training, and a strategic arctic basing option” in support of US Indo-Pacific Command.

The base is also near multiple natural recreational areas for hiking and outdoor exploration with family or friends. The main demographic of the area is families ranging from 20 to 40 years of age, with a median income of $69,000, with most homes ranging from $200,000 to $299,000 in value.

Nearby natural and historic attractions and activities include, but are not limited to:

• James Dalton Highway
• Aurora Ice Museum
• Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
• Creamer’s Field Waterfowl Refuge
• Pioneer Park

Eielson Air Force Base Guide

Eielson Air Force Base serves as a hub for Arctic combat training in the U.S. Air Force. This military base guide breaks down what you need to know if you’re PCSing to Eielson.

Roughly 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, Eielson Air Base began operations in 1943. Then, it was called Mile 26 Satellite Field. It was there that U.S. aircraft were handed off to Soviet pilots under the Lend-Lease program.

By January 1948, it had been renamed in memory of Carl Ben Eielson, a bush pilot who died attempting to rescue a stranded crew near an icebound vessel off North Cape. Command of daily operations fell to the 5010th Wing starting in 1949, a role it held for over 30 years.

Strategic Air Command, Alaskan Air Command, and eventually Pacific Air Forces controlled the base. A 1950s runway extension gave Eielson the length it needed to handle B-36 bombers, and around that same time, it became a testing site for aircraft in extreme cold conditions.

Eielson Air Force Base Facts

• Location: Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska
• Zip Code: 99702 (main) 99705, 99714
• Branch: U.S. Air Force
• Main Mission/Notable units: Arctic combat airpower and Red Flag-Alaska training/354th Fighter Wing
• Main Operator: 907-377-2178
• Official Website: www.eielson.af.mil

Arriving at Eielson Air Force Base: Check-In & In-Processing

The main check-in point for most service members is the  Military Personnel Office, located at 354 Broadway Avenue (Second Floor), Eielson AFB, AK 99702.  If you arrive after hours, report to the Goldrush Inn to have your orders stamped and secure temporary lodging.

Key Documents to Hand-Carry:

• Multiple copies of your official orders
• ID and Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, and passports
• All insurance policy documents
• Immunization records for children and pets
• School records for kids, plus transcripts for any adults in high school or college
• Occupational licenses and professional certifications
• Employment records (if your spouse is working)
• Birth certificates, adoption papers, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and custody agreements (certified copies)
• Vehicle purchase agreements showing state sales tax paid
• Vehicle registration and title
• Your household goods inventory and supporting paperwork
• Transfer letters from any religious, professional, or social organizations you belong to
• Credit letters from current or past utility providers
• Contact details for credit card companies, utility providers, and similar accounts
• Prescription copies for medications, eyeglasses, or contact lenses
• Family medical records, if you can gather them
• Copies of federal income tax filings
• Any other important legal documents

Newcomer’s Briefing

Pioneer Start is mandatory for new active-duty service members and DOD civilian employees; family members are welcome to join. Your CSS handles scheduling and will let you know when your briefing is.

This Wing-sponsored program provides an overview of Eielson AFB, its mission and history, and practical guidance on winter survival and safety in Alaska’s Arctic climate. It’s also a chance for service members, families, and civilian employees alike to connect with base and local support services and community organizations available to them.

Eielson Air Force Base Housing & Lodging

On-Base Housing

Housing on Eielson Air Force is privatized and managed by Mayroad. On-base living consists of two to five bedroom townhomes and single-family units across several distinct neighborhoods.

It is critical to contact the Military Housing Office (MHO) as soon as you receive your orders to get on the waitlist.

• Military Housing Office (MHO): 907-377-1840
• Privatized Housing Partner: themayroad.com | 919-988-6914

Off-Base Housing: Best Neighborhoods & Cities

Many service members and families live in the surrounding communities.

• Moose Creek: The closest option to the base, it’s just 5 miles away. With a population of almost 600, it offers a quiet, low-key setting for military families who want a short commute.
• North Pole: Located about 13 miles from the base, North Pole is a small, family-friendly town known for its year round Christmas theme.
• Fairbanks:  This regional hub, about 25 miles from base, has a population of about 31,000. It offers the widest range of housing, shopping, and amenities, as well as access to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Look up the BAH for your new duty location by entering your ZIP code in our BAH Calculator.

Temporary Lodging (TLF) & On-Base Inn

The on-base inn is the Goldrush Inn. Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible, especially during peak PCS season. Pet-friendly units are limited; be sure to request one if needed.

• Reservations: 907-377-1841

Eielson Air Force Base BAH, Cost of Living, and Allowances

Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is based on your rank, dependent status, and the base’s zip code. The cost of living in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, is higher than the national average.

Schools & Child Care Near Eielson Air Force Base

On-Base Schools

Anderson-Crawford Elementary, which serves grades K-5 (but is not a DoD school), is the only school on base..

Local School Districts

Elementary students can also attend North Pole Elementary in North Pole. Students in grades 6-12 attend off-base at North Pole Middle School and North Pole High School. A homeschool option called BEST Homeschool is also available through the district.

The School Liaison Office (SLO) is your primary resource for all questions regarding school registration, transfers, and local education options.

• School Liaison Office: 907-377-7490

Child Development Centers (CDC)

Eielson AFB offers a Child Development Center (CDC) for full-day, part-day, and hourly care, serving children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. All registration is managed through the central MilitaryChildCare.com website. Family Child Care (FCC) homes are also available.

Key Contacts: Eielson Air Force Base Directory

• Base Operator: 907-377-2178
• Housing Office (MHO): 907-377-1840
• Privatized Housing: 919-988-6914
• Temporary Lodging (Inn): [907-377-1841
• In-Processing/Welcome Center: 907-377-3807
• School Liaison Office: 907-377-7490
• CDC Registration: MilitaryChildCare.com
• Medical Clinic / TRICARE: 907-377-1847​
• Public Affairs Office: (907) 377-2116

BASE MISSION AND UNITS

Eielson AFB is home to the 354th Fighter Wing, the northernmost fighter wing in the U.S. Air Force, which provides combat-ready airpower, advanced integration training, and a strategic Arctic basing option for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The 353rd Combat Training Squadron runs Red Flag-Alaska, the base’s signature large-scale combat exercise, across the Joint Pacific Alaskan Range Complex. Eielson also hosts the Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Air Wing, which flies KC-135 Stratotankers in support of both local and global refueling missions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Eielson Air Force Base

What is  Eielson Air Force Base famous for?

Eielson Air Force Base is famous for being home to the 354th Fighter Wing and hosting RED FLAG-Alaska, one of the Air Force’s largest combat training exercises. It’s also known for its brutal Arctic climate, which makes it a premier cold-weather testing site for military aircraft, and for having the second-longest runway in North America.

What is the zip code for Eielson Air Force Base?

The main zip code for the base is 99702. However, zip codes can vary. 99705 and 99714 are also on the installation.

Can civilians visit Eielson Air Force Base?

Yes, civilians can visit Eielson, but must obtain a visitor’s pass at the Visitor Control Center at Hursey Gate, 2070 Central Avenue. It’s open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. All visitors 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID.

What is the closest major airport to Eielson Air Force Base?

The closest major airport is Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), located approximately 25 to 26 miles away in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Air Force Bases in Alaska (OCONUS)

• Eielson AFB
• USAG Alaska, Greely
• USAG Alaska, Wainwright

Coast Guard Bases in Alaska

• US Coast Guard Base Ketchikan
• USCG Base Kodiak

Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.

Did you know? Alaska offers benefits for military members and their families, including military credit toward state retirement, property tax exemptions, state employment preferences, and tuition assistance. Learn more at the Alaska State Office of Veterans Affairs.

VA Facilities in Alaska

Do you need to locate a VA clinic, Vet Center, or other VA facility in the State of Alaska? The list below has addresses and contact phone numbers for VA clinics and other sites within the state.

Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System

1201 North Muldoon Road
Anchorage, AK 99504-6104
888-353-7574
Mental health care: 907-257-4854

VA Health Clinic Locations

Elmendorf-Richardson VA Clinic5955 Zeamer Avenue, 673rd Medical Group, Building 673

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,
AK 99506-3702
907-257-4700

Fairbanks VA Clinic

2555 Phillips Field Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709-3933
907-328-1750
Mental health care: 907-361-6370

Homer VA Clinic

4141 Pennock Street
Homer, AK 99603-7223
888-353-7574

Juneau VA Clinic

709 West 9th Street
Federal Building, Suite 150
Juneau, AK 99801-1807
888-353-7574

Mat-Su VA Clinic

865 North Seward Meridian Parkway
Suite 105
Wasilla, AK 99654-7241
888-353-7574
Mental health care: 907-631-3100

Soldotna VA Clinic

237 West Rockwell Avenue
Soldotna, AK 99669-7412
888-353-7574
Mental health care: 907-420-3219

Alaska VA Vet Centers

Anchorage Vet Center

4400 Business Park Boulevard
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-563-6966

Fairbanks Vet Center

751 Old Richardson HWY
Fairbanks, AK 99701
907-456-4238

Please review our complete list of Military Bases by State

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States:

• Peterson Space Force Base
• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
• Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
• Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado

Look up the BAH for your new duty location by entering your ZIP code in our BAH Calculator.