Alaska is home to over 30,000 active-duty service members and their families, playing a vital role in national defense and Arctic security. Due to its strategic location, the military presence in Alaska helps protect U.S. interests and allies in the Arctic Region.
The state has eight major military installations, each supporting various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
List of Military Bases in Alaska
- Eielson Air Force Base
- Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
- Clear Space Force Station
- Fort Wainwright
- Fort Greely
- Coast Guard Base Kodiak
- Marine Safety Unit Valdez
- USCG Sector Juneau
1. Eielson Air Force Base
Location: Fairbanks, AK Mission: Fighter jet operations and Arctic air defense
Established in 1943, Eielson Air Force Base was initially used for pilot training during World War II. Today, it is home to the 354th Fighter Wing, which operates:
- F-35A Lightning II fighter jets
- Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing, flying C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft
The base also hosts events like the Arctic Thunder Airshow.
2. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
Location: Anchorage, AK Mission: Largest military installation in Alaska, supporting multiple branches
Formed in 2010 from the merger of Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, JBER houses over 50,000 personnel and includes:
- 673rd Air Base Wing
- 3rd Wing (Air Force)
- 176th Wing (Alaska Air National Guard)
- 2nd Brigade, 11th Airborne Division (Army)
- 477th Fighter Group & 611th Air Operations Center
JBER is a critical hub for air defense, infantry training, and Arctic operations.
Visit Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
3. Clear Space Force Station
Location: Clear, AK Mission: Space surveillance and missile defense
Originally established in 1957 as a radar station for early ballistic missile warning, Clear Space Force Station is now part of the Space Surveillance Network (SSN).
- Monitors space objects and potential threats
- Supports missile defense and early warning systems
- Houses the Joint Tactical Space Support (JTSS) element
Clear SFS is a key ground-based radar station supporting global space defense efforts.
Visit Clear Space Force Station
4. Fort Wainwright
Location: Fairbanks, AK Mission: Arctic training for U.S. Army forces
Originally established as Ladd Field, it was renamed Fort Wainwright in 1961 in honor of General Jonathan M. Wainwright, a Medal of Honor recipient.
Fort Wainwright is home to:
- 1st Brigade, 11th Airborne Division
- U.S. Army Alaska Command (USARAK)
Its Arctic environment provides a challenging and realistic training setting for soldiers operating in extreme conditions.
Visit Fort Wainwright
5. Fort Greely
Location: Southeast of Fairbanks, AK Mission: Missile defense and extreme weather testing
Fort Greely is critical to U.S. missile defense, housing:
- Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system – Protects against intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)
- Cold Regions Test Center (CRTC) – Tests military equipment and technology in Arctic conditions
Fort Greely plays a vital role in national security by ensuring missile defense readiness.
Visit Fort Greely
