Fort Greely AK Base Information

Introduction to Fort Greely, Alaska

Fort Greely is a United States Army launch site located in Alaska, approximately 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The base is situated in the Delta Junction area and is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) missile defense system. Fort Greely’s primary mission is to provide a defensive capability against potential ballistic missile threats from rogue nations.

History of Fort Greely

The history of Fort Greely dates back to the early 1940s when the U.S. Army established an airfield in the area to support the construction of the Alaska Highway. During World War II, the airfield was used as a staging area for aircraft and personnel. In the 1950s, the base was expanded to include a launch site for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). In 2004, the base was re-designated as a missile defense base, and the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system was installed.

Mission and Operations

The primary mission of Fort Greely is to provide a defensive capability against ballistic missile threats. The base is equipped with Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) that are designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. The GBIs are equipped with Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicles (EKVs) that use kinetic energy to destroy the incoming missile. The base is also home to the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, which provides command and control for the GMD system.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Fort Greely has a range of facilities and infrastructure to support its mission. The base includes: * Airfield: The base has a 9,000-foot runway that can accommodate a variety of aircraft. * Launch Complex: The launch complex includes 26 silos that can launch GBIs. * Command and Control Center: The command and control center provides real-time monitoring and control of the GMD system. * Barracks and Housing: The base has barracks and housing for military personnel and their families. * Medical Facility: The base has a medical facility that provides medical care for personnel.

Environmental Concerns

Fort Greely is located in a remote area of Alaska, and the base has implemented various measures to minimize its impact on the environment. The base has a wildlife management program that aims to protect and conserve local wildlife, including moose, caribou, and bears. The base also has a hazardous waste management program that ensures the safe disposal of hazardous materials.

Community and Economy

Fort Greely is a significant contributor to the local economy, with many military personnel and contractors living and working in the area. The base also has a range of community programs, including education and training programs for local residents. The base is also home to the Fort Greely Chapel, which provides spiritual support for military personnel and their families.

💡 Note: The base is located in a remote area, and personnel and families should be prepared for limited access to amenities and services.

Demographics

The demographics of Fort Greely are:

Category	Number
Military Personnel	500
Civilian Employees	200
Family Members	1,000
Total Population	1,700

In summary, Fort Greely is a critical component of the U.S. missile defense system, providing a defensive capability against ballistic missile threats. The base has a range of facilities and infrastructure to support its mission, and it is a significant contributor to the local economy. The base is also committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and providing support to military personnel and their families.