Eielson Air Force Base

Eielson Air Force Base at a glance

Eielson Air Force Base is an Interior Alaska installation southeast of Fairbanks. The 354th Fighter Wing is the host organization and provides fifth-generation fighter capabilities within Pacific Air Forces. Eielson also supports advanced training involving U.S. and allied forces, including the publicly described RED FLAG-Alaska exercise. Its role combines operational fighter aviation with an extensive joint and international training environment.

The installation's community also includes Alaska Air National Guard refueling activities and an Arctic survival school. Originally known as Mile 26, the base was named for Alaska aviation pioneer Carl Ben Eielson. Its Interior Alaska setting places these aviation and training missions in a different geographic environment from coastal Alaska installations or bases in the contiguous United States.

Also searched as: Eielson AFB.

Sources: Eielson Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Mission and major activities

• Fighter aviation through the 354th Fighter Wing.
• Joint and allied aircrew training, including RED FLAG-Alaska.
• Support for Alaska Air National Guard refueling and Arctic survival training.

Sources: Eielson Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Location and community

Eielson lies southeast of Fairbanks near North Pole in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Fort Wainwright is a separate Army installation in the broader Fairbanks community.

Sources: Eielson Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Eielson Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Eielson Air Force Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Eielson Air Force Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. Eielson Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONSSupports: overview, mission, local context, planning note

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.