---
title: What Military Bases are in Alaska?
slug: what-military-bases-are-in-alaska
description: Find every active military base in Alaska—JBER & Fort Wainwright among eight installations—plus PCS housing tips, VA-loan guidance, and veteran agents.
publishedAt: 2023-09-26T12:00:00.000Z
updatedAt: 2026-05-02T00:00:00.000Z
author: VeteranPCS
categories: [US Military Bases]
canonical: https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-alaska
---

# What Military Bases are in Alaska?

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**.

[Visit Eielson Air Force Base](https://www.eielson.af.mil/)

## **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

## **6. Coast Guard Base Kodiak**

📍 **Location:** Kodiak, AK
🎯 **Mission:** Largest Coast Guard base in the Pacific

Coast Guard Base Kodiak supports over **2,000 personnel** and is home to:

- **Air Station Kodiak** – One of the **busiest air stations** in the Coast Guard
- **HC-130H Hercules, MH-60T Jayhawk, and MH-65D Dolphin aircraft**

### **Primary Missions:**

- **Search and rescue operations**
- **Maritime law enforcement**
- **Environmental protection** across the Pacific Ocean**

Visit Coast Guard Base Kodiak

## **7. Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Valdez**

📍 **Location:** Valdez, AK
🎯 **Mission:** Maritime safety for **Prince William Sound** and **Trans-Alaska Pipeline**

MSU Valdez ensures the **safety of shipping routes and oil tankers**, managing:

- **Search and rescue missions**
- **Oil spill response**
- **Coast Guard security patrols**

MSU Valdez is critical in **environmental protection** and **disaster response** for Alaska’s coastline.

Visit MSU Valdez

## **8. USCG Sector Juneau**

📍 **Location:** Juneau, AK
🎯 **Mission:** Maritime security and coastal defense

Sector Juneau is a **multi-mission unit** overseeing **Southeast Alaska’s waterways**. It includes:

- **Cutters, small boat stations, and air stations**
- **Aids to Navigation Teams**
- **Marine Safety Detachments**

Sector Juneau ensures **safe maritime operations** across the region.

Visit USCG Sector Juneau

## **Moving to Alaska? We Can Help!**

If you're **PCSing to Alaska**, our **VeteranPCS agents and lenders** can assist with:

- **Finding a military-friendly real estate agent**
- **Navigating the VA Loan process**
- **Exploring housing options near Alaska military installations**