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Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

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Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is the headquarters of Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force Headquarters, in combination with the 673rd Air Base Wing, whose focus is people, readiness, and partnership.

Located near Anchorage, Alaska, this area houses about 300,000 and is a popular spot for visitors from all over the world. With world-class businesses and hotels, shopping centers and many natural wonders, set before the views of the Chugach Mountains, there are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities and events for families.

Bordered at the north by the native village of Eklutna with ample recreational area near Eagle River; the south is ideal for wildlife observation. Other options for outdoor recreation include the Alyeska Resort and Portage Glacier area. Visitors and locals also enjoy trekking to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and Chugach State Park.

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Fast Facts

Anchorage, Alaska, the most prominent city near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, has a working population of families. Most residents are between 20 to 50 years old and over 35 percent hold college degrees. A strong military presence is in the area providing jobs to service members, spouses, families and to many civilians. The area is affordable for many working families and offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.

The following ranges of statistics apply to the Anchorage, Alaska area:

• Median Income $100,751 ± $4,905
• Median Gross Rent $1,381 ± $42
• Median Home Price $300,000 to $499,999 – 45.0%

The base is located near multiple natural recreational areas for hiking and outdoor exploration with family or friends. Nearby natural and historic attractions and activities include but are not limited to:

• Alyeska Ski Area Ski & Snowboard Areas
• Portage Glacier Geologic Formations Downtown
• Flattop Mountain Trail Hiking Trails
• Lake Eklutna
• Byron Glacier Trail Hiking Trails.
• Chugach State Park Forests
• Eagle River Nature Center Hiking Trails

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Temporary Lodging

Reservations should be made months ahead as this is the only temporary lodging facility on base and fills up fast, especially during the summertime. You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance in some cases. If you seek reimbursement make sure you keep your receipts and fulfill the requirements.

Due to the high traffic of personnel and families in the area, reservations should be requested far in advance, at least a few months. If there is no vacancy, ask for a non-availability slip to get lodging in the nearby city of Anchorage at an area motel or hotel.

Active Duty military members traveling on PCS orders have priority, making it essential to look into lodging before travel. Temporary lodgings at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson are found at:

North Star Inn/JBER Lodging
Fighter Dr, Bldg 7153
Elmendorf AFB, AK

Front Desk
(907) 384-5660

Reservations
(907) 552-2454

Moving to Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson

Moving can be a stressful event, however, with necessary knowledge and information can make the process go smoother. For help in moving arrangements including household goods and accounts, JBER Finance Offices and Transportation Management can help.

Base Finance Offices 

Finance Office – Army
Building 600 Richardson Drive
JBER, AK 99505

(907) 384-1172

Finance Office- Air Force
8517 20th Street
The People Center
JBER, AK 99506

(907) 552-9940

Household Goods/Transportation Office

Travel Management Office/Household Goods- Air Force
8517 20th Street JBER-E
Bldg 600 Rm 145B, JBER-R
JBER, AK 99506

(907) 552-1797

Local Storage Options

Once you have arrived and are getting settled, the Anchorage area has plenty of storage and shopping options which include but are not limited to:

• • King Street Storage
  • Diamond Self-Storage
  • Best Storage South
  • Ship Creek Storage

Shopping

Anchorage 5th Ave Mall
320 W. 5th Ave

Great Alaska Mall
113 W. Northern Lights Blvd

Walmart
3101 A. Street
8900 Old Seward Hwy

Target
150 W. 100th Ave, Ste A
1200 N. Muldoon Rd, Ste F

Walgreens
725 E. Northern Lights Blvd
1470 W. Northern Lights Blvd

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Child Care

JBER offers multiple child care options depending on the child’s age and family needs. DoD certified and National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited, there are three CDCs for children six weeks old to 5 years old on base.

• Sitka CDC, Building 6, B St. (907) 552-6403
• Talkeetna CDC, Building 11, 5th St. (907) 384-0686
• Kodiak CDC, Building 6, 11st. (907) 384-1510

For full day, hourly, before/after school, extended care, special needs, and on and off-post care, apply for placement through Militarychildcare.com. Prior to applying, if you have questions or need additional information, contact the Family Child Care Office at Building 5091 10th St., (907) 552-3995.

For children five years old until 12 years old, two School Age Centers are open on site for care during the summer, after school and during vacation.

• Illa School Age Center, Building 31600 Grady Ave., (907) 384-1068
• Ketchikan School Age Center, Building 7163 11th St., (907) 552-5091

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Check-In and In-Processing

Most service members arriving to base have a sponsor assigned to help with the in-process and check-in procedures. Your sponsor should have vast knowledge of your new base and the local community and be in touch with you before and during the two weeks after your arrival.

The sponsor will send local information to help your transition and confirm your transportation and lodging. After meeting you at your arrival time and location, the sponsor will help arrange for mail arrival and bring you to the Military & Family Readiness Center, and introduce you to the commissary and local services such as the gas station and necessary resources.

Due to the location of JBER, some may need to cross the Canadian border in order to reach the base. If crossing the Canadian border, make sure all family members have travel permission and on the PCS orders to travel with concurrent travel permission. Failure to have all permissions for all traveling family members may result in additional non-reimbursable costs.

Air Force service members who have not been in contact with a sponsor, should reach out to the Command Support Staff at the receiving unit. Army service members who have not been contacted should reach out to the U.S. Army Alaska Sponsorship Program Manager at (907) 384-3068.

If you do not have an assignment, call to inquire at the Military Processing Division In-processing (907) 384-0425.

Most will need to check in with command staff within one day of arrival to attend or schedule mandatory in-processing briefs and reviews. The Joint Newcomers Orientation held every Monday except for holidays, is mandatory for all incoming service members and strongly suggested for spouses.

If flying into Ted Stevens International Airport, look for the JBER uniformed soldiers near the baggage area who will take you to the appropriate reception facility. If arriving by personal or rental car, head to Fort Richardson Reception Detachment South at 602 Richardson Street on the second floor. Contact, the Reception Detachment South Staff Duty Desk at (907) 903-4281, if needed.

Note that due to the extreme weather in Alaska, if arriving from October to May, it is necessary to bring Gore-Tex jackets, trousers and gloves for safety in below freezing temperatures.

Richardson Gate & Visitors Center
Bldg 47303 D Street
JBER, AK 99505

(907) 552-5665

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Services

Shopping, gym, and medical services found at JB Elmendorf Richardson.

Commissary

Anchorage Area Commissary
5800 Westover Avenue
JBER, AK 99506

(907) 580-4425

Exchange 

AAFES Joint Military Exchange
5800B Westover Avenue
JBER, AK 99506

(907) 753-4422

Gyms

Buckner Fitness Center
Building 690
JBER, AK 99505

(907) 384-1369

Elmendorf Fitness Center
9510 22nd Street
JBER, AK 99506

907-552-3624

Medical Care

JBER Hospital
5955 Zeamer Avenue
JBER, AK 99506

907-580-6260

Dental Clinic-Air Force
5955 Zeamer Avenue
JBER, AK 99506

907-580-5010

Anchorage, Alaska Local Services

Shopping, grocery, auto repair, and hospitals near JB Elmendorf Richardson.

Grocery Stores

• • Fred Meyer 2000 W. Dimond Blvd
  • Fred Meyer 7701 DeBarr Rd
  • Carrs 1340 Gambell St
  • Carrs7731 E. Northern Lights Blvd

Auto Repair Options

• • Anchorage Auto Services 719 E. 11th Ave
  • Tudor Auto & Truck Repair 411 W. Tudor Rd
  • Big O’s Automotive 2401 E. 4th Ave

Retailers

• • Midtown Mall 600 E. Northern Lights Blvd
  • Target 150 W. 100th Ave, Ste A
  • Big Ray’s 3200 Seward Hwy

Hospitals

• • Alaska Regional Hospital 2801 DeBarr Rd
  • Alaska Native Medical Center 4315 Diplomacy Dr.

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Housing

Aurora Military Housing provides housing options for military service members and families in the Anchorage area. Located on base at JBER, the community contains 19 neighborhood groups and a plethora of floor plans to choose from. With views of the Chugach Mountains, the serene area is safe and only a short commute from the base.

Amenities include a home maintenance shop with access to maintenance support, appliances, storage, no pet fees and a deployed spouse program to support families.

Housing needs can be addressed at the Elmendorf main building at 6350 Warrior Dr during normal weekday business hours or at the Richardson building, 338 Hoonah Ave or call for assistance at (907) 753-1023. Applications must be submitted online at the Aurora housing website.

Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Local Spouse Employment Resources

Spouses, transitioning service members, retirees, family members and DoD civilians have access to the Employment Readiness Program to aid in career planning, job hunting, education and professional development. The JBER has two convenient locations on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson:

Army Community Service
600 Richardson Drive, Room A135
JBER
(907) 384-1517

The Log Cabin
8535 Wewak Drive
JBER-E
(907) 552-4943

ACS Employment Readiness Program
600 Richardson Drive
Building 600 Room A135
JBER, AK 99505-4800
(907) 384-1517

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Local Schools and Universities

School-aged children who live at Joint Base Elemendorf Richardson or in the nearby area will attend schools in the Anchorage School District. Consulting the School Liaison can help facilitate learning which school to attend and how to enroll.

School Liaison

Building 600 Richardson Drive
Room A140
JBER, AK 99505
(907) 384-1505

Elementary Schools:

Alpenglow Elementary K-6
19201 Driftwood Bay Dr.,
Eagle River, AK

Bear Valley Elementary
15001 Mountain Air Dr.

Creekside Park Elementary
7500 E. 6th Ave.

Klatt Elementary School
11900 Puma St.

Middle and High Schools:

Clark Middle School
150 Bragaw St.
Begich Middle School
7440 Creekside Center Dr.

Goldenview Middle School
15800 Goldenview Dr.
Dimond High School
2909 W. 88th Ave.

South Anchorage High School
13400 Elmore Rd.
Eagle River High School
8701 Wolf Den Drive
Eagle River

Currently, there are two adult education centers on base. Adult Education centers serve as testing facilities, counseling centers, and give access to digital training and library services for military service members, spouses and family.

There is no cost for students for the services, however, students must pay the fees for testing and tuition. Undergraduate and graduate classes accessible through the education centers are provided by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Alaska Anchorage, and Wayland Baptist University.

On-site educational facilities for adults can be found at:

JBER-Elmendorf Education Center

4109 Bullard Ave, Room 210
(907) 552-3164

JBER-Richardson Education Center

7 Chilkoot Ave
(907) 384-0970

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Area Guide

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson has an abundance of activities and natural sites to explore especially during the spring and summer months. Notable natural sites include but are not limited to:

• Turnagain Arm Scenic Boardwalk
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Nulbay Park
• Arctic Valley Overlook
• Delaney Park
• Snow Plow Train
• Campbell Creek Science Center
• Nulbay Park

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Mission and Units

Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the focus of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is to protect Asia-Pacific zone interests while balancing security for regions worldwide through air power and new technology to keep up with a fast-paced world.

Major Units at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson include:

• Air Force – 373 ISRG
• Air Force – 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (3 AMXS)
• Air Force – 3rd Maintenance Group
• Air Force – 3rd Maintenance Operations Squadron
• Air Force – 3rd Operations Support Squadron
• Air Force – 3rd Wing
• Air Force – 611th Air Operations Center
• Air Force – 673d Civil Engineer Squadron
• Air Force – 673rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron
• Air Force – 673rd Civil Engineer Group
• Air Force – 673rd Communications Squadron
• Air Force – 673rd Dental Squadron
• Air Force – 673rd Force Support Squadron
• Air Force – 673rd Healthcare Operations
• Air Force – 673rd Logistics Readiness Squadron
• Air Force – 673rd Medical Group
• Air Force – 673rd Mission Support Group
• Air Force – 673rd Security Forces Squadron
• Air Force – 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron
• Air Force – Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) 673rd Air Base Wing
• Air Force Office Of Special Investigations Det 631- Air Force
• Air Force- 11th Air Force
• Air Force- 673rd Contracting Squadron
• Alaskan Command & Alaskan NORAD Region
• Army – 11th Airborne Division
• Army – 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division
• Army – 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division
• Army – 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division
• Army – 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division
• Army – 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division
• Army – 59th Signal Battalion
• Army – Arctic Support Command
• Army – Arctic Support Team, 17th CSSB
• Army – DENTAC
• Army – U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) G-1
• Canadian Forces Det
• True North

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 in your new duty location by searching for your zip code’s housing allowance using our BAH Calculator.