Alaska's Strategic Military Presence: 10 Key Bases
Located in the northwest corner of North America, Alaska is a crucial state for the United States military. Its unique geography and proximity to the Arctic Circle make it an ideal location for monitoring and responding to potential threats from the north. The state is home to a significant number of military bases, which play a vital role in the country’s defense and national security strategy. Here, we will explore 10 key military bases in Alaska, highlighting their roles, capabilities, and importance to the US military.
1. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
Located in Anchorage, JBER is the largest military installation in Alaska. It serves as a major hub for the US Army and Air Force, with a combined force of over 30,000 personnel. The base is home to the 3rd Wing, which operates F-22 Raptor fighter jets, and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.
2. Eielson Air Force Base
Located near Fairbanks, Eielson AFB is a key strategic location for the US Air Force. The base is home to the 354th Fighter Wing, which operates F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. Eielson AFB also serves as a major hub for the Air Force’s Arctic operations, providing critical support for aerial refueling, airlift, and airborne warning and control systems.
3. Fort Wainwright
Also located near Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright is a major US Army base in Alaska. The base is home to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and serves as a key training location for Army units deploying to the Arctic region.
4. Fort Greely
Located in the central part of the state, Fort Greely is a US Army base that serves as a key location for the country’s ballistic missile defense system. The base is home to the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, which provides critical protection against long-range missile threats.
5. Clear Air Force Station
Located near Anderson, Clear AFS is a remote US Air Force base that serves as a critical location for the country’s early warning and surveillance systems. The base is home to the 13th Space Warning Squadron, which operates the PAVE Phased Array Warning System (PAVE PAWS) radar.
6. Cape Lisburne Air Force Station
Located on the northwest coast of Alaska, Cape Lisburne AFS is a remote US Air Force base that serves as a key location for the country’s early warning and surveillance systems. The base is home to the 17th Space Warning Squadron, which operates the AN/FPS-133 radar.
7. Indian Mountain Air Force Station
Located near the Canadian border, Indian Mountain AFS is a remote US Air Force base that serves as a key location for the country’s early warning and surveillance systems. The base is home to the 17th Space Warning Squadron, which operates the AN/FPS-133 radar.
8. Tin City Long Range Radar Site
Located near Cape Lisburne, the Tin City Long Range Radar Site is a remote US Air Force radar station that provides critical early warning and surveillance capabilities. The site is operated by the 17th Space Warning Squadron.
9. Murphy Dome Air Force Station
Located near Fairbanks, Murphy Dome AFS is a remote US Air Force base that serves as a key location for the country’s early warning and surveillance systems. The base is home to the 17th Space Warning Squadron, which operates the AN/FPS-133 radar.
10. Shemya Air Force Base
Located on Shemya Island in the Aleutian Islands, Shemya AFB is a remote US Air Force base that serves as a key location for the country’s early warning and surveillance systems. The base is home to the 17th Space Warning Squadron, which operates the AN/FPS-133 radar.
[📝] Note: The above list highlights the 10 key military bases in Alaska, but there are several other smaller bases and radar stations throughout the state that also play a critical role in the US military's Arctic strategy.
In summary, Alaska’s military bases play a vital role in the country’s defense and national security strategy. From monitoring and responding to potential threats from the north to providing critical support for aerial refueling, airlift, and airborne warning and control systems, these bases are essential to the US military’s Arctic operations. As the global security landscape continues to evolve, the importance of Alaska’s military bases will only continue to grow.
What is the largest military base in Alaska?
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Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is the largest military installation in Alaska, serving as a major hub for the US Army and Air Force.
What is the primary role of Eielson Air Force Base?
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Eielson Air Force Base serves as a key strategic location for the US Air Force, operating F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and providing critical support for aerial refueling, airlift, and airborne warning and control systems.
What is the purpose of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system at Fort Greely?
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The GMD system at Fort Greely provides critical protection against long-range missile threats, serving as a key component of the US military’s ballistic missile defense system.
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