Eielson Air Force Base, Military Base

Multiple F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing taxis on the runway during an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 15, 2021. The 354th FW applied ACE concepts to become more agile in mission execution, strategic deterrence, and more capable in generating an increased number of sorties with a minimal footprint from a simulated austere environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jose Miguel T. Tamondong)

Eielson AFB is located 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks, in the interior of Alaska, about 110 miles south of the arctic circle.

Fairbanks has about 88,000 people and boasts many of the services you would find in a similarly sized city in the lower 48. The city of North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas lives year round, is located just 8 miles from Eielson. North Pole is a small friendly community with a basic selection of services such as: dining, service organizations, parks, churches and events throughout the year.

Eielson boasts hiking, fishing, canoeing, dog mushing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and some of the best Northern Lights Shows in the world.

Eielson Air Force Base Information

Condition: Operational
Years in Use: 1943 – present
Controlled by: Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)
Current Commander: Colonel Paul P. Townsend
Garrison: 354th Fighter Wing
Base Occupants: 354th Fighter Wing, 168 Air Refueling Wing, 353 Combat Training Squadron
Open to the Public: No