Elmendorf AFB, AK

Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506 | Base Operator: DSN 317-552-1110, (907) 552-1110

Elmendorf AFB: Overview

The major tenants of Elmendorf AFB include the Headquarters, Alaskan Command (ALCOM), the Alaskan NORAD Region, (ANR), the Eleventh Air Force (11 AF), and the 3rd Wing. The mission of this installation is to implement the necessary measures to ensure that the local forces are capable of providing air superiority and air defense in the region. It will also support the actions of the Pacific Air Forces in the Pacific Command’s air of responsibility. In order to complete its mission, the base employs the two best air superiority airframes in the business, which includes, of course, the F-15C/D Strike Eagle and the F-22A Raptor. Other mission-essential aircraft based at Elmendorf includes the E-3B Sentry (AWACS), the C-17 Globemaster, and the C-12F/J Huron.

The construction phase of the installation started on June 8, 1940 and the first permanently assigned troops arrived on August 12, 1940. Even though the installation was known as Fort Richardson, the flight facilities were named Elmendorf Field in an effort to honor Captain Hugh M. Elmendorf. Captain Elmendorf was lost during the flight test of an experimental fighter in 1933. During World War II, the forces stationed at the post swelled due to the Japanese threat in the Pacific and its subsequent invasion of the Aleutian Islands. Following WWII, the installation was officially changed to Elmendorf AFB. The Cold War threat, its relatively remote locale, and its close proximity to the Soviet Union made it necessary for the United States to maintain a tremendous offensive and defensive presence at the installation. Therefore, the base has always had air superiority as its major role and its units equipped with the best fighter aircraft in the world. That basic mission remains to this day.

Elmendorf AFB: Education

While stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska, you may want to put some serious thought into pursuing a college degree from an online school. An online school will be able to provide you with a quality education and you will be able to attend class anywhere you are, anytime you want since the curriculum is delivered 100% online. You may want to request information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Elmendorf AFB: Location

Elmendorf AFB is located just outside of Anchorage, Alaska to the north. Anchorage is the largest city in the state, and more than 40 percent of the total population of the state resides here. As far as its position within the State of Alaska, Elmendorf AFB is in South Central Alaska, which is northeast of the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and Cook Inlet. Other geographic landmarks in the area include Mount McKinley, the Kenai Peninsula, the Alaska Panhandle, and Prince William Sound. The communities that are located within driving distance include Wasilla, Palmer, Sterling, Soldotna, Kenai, Homer, Kodiak, Fairbanks, College, Bethel, and Juneau.

Elmendorf AFB: Interesting Facts

The base was combined with Fort Richardson and has operated as the combined Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson since the summer of 2010.
When the Air Force was established as a separate service, the Army moved to a new location, yet maintained the name of the original post, which was Fort Richardson.
Elmendorf AFB is an alternate landing site for the Space Shuttle.