Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
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| Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson | |
|---|---|
 Airman 1st Class Andrew Britten · Public domain · source | |
| Name | Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson |
| Caption | Aerial view of the installation |
| Location | Anchorage, Alaska |
| Type | Joint base |
| Coordinates | 61, 15, 05, N... |
| Built | 1917 (Fort Richardson), 1940 (Elmendorf Air Force Base) |
| Used | 1940–present |
| Controlledby | United States Department of Defense |
| Garrison | Alaskan Command, Eleventh Air Force, United States Army Alaska |
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is a major United States Department of Defense installation located in Anchorage, Alaska. It was formed in 2010 from the merger of the adjacent United States Army's Fort Richardson and the United States Air Force's Elmendorf Air Force Base. The base serves as a critical strategic hub for Arctic and Pacific operations, hosting key commands and a diverse array of military units.
History
The area's military history began with the establishment of Fort Richardson in 1917, named for Wilds P. Richardson, a key figure in the Alaska Territorial Guard. The airfield component, initially known as Elmendorf Field, was constructed in 1940 and named for Captain Hugh M. Elmendorf, a test pilot who died in a crash at Wright Field. During World War II, the installation was vital for the Aleutian Islands Campaign and the Lend-Lease program, ferrying P-38 Lightning and B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft to the Soviet Union. The Cold War saw its role expand dramatically, with Elmendorf Air Force Base becoming a primary alert site for NORAD, intercepting Soviet Air Forces aircraft. The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended the merger, which was finalized in 2010, creating the current joint base under United States Air Force leadership.
Geography and Climate
The installation spans over 64,000 acres on the eastern edge of Anchorage, bordered by the Chugach Mountains to the east and Knik Arm to the west. Its terrain includes boreal forest, wetlands, and the glacial-fed Ship Creek. The climate is classified as a subarctic, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Temperatures can drop below -20°F in January, and the area receives significant snowfall, averaging over 70 inches annually. The base is situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it susceptible to seismic activity, including the 1964 Alaska earthquake which caused substantial damage to early infrastructure.
Units and Operations
As the premier military installation in the North American Arctic, it hosts the headquarters for USNORTHCOM's Alaskan Command and the Air Force's Eleventh Air Force. Primary flying units include the 3rd Wing, operating the F-22 Raptor and C-17 Globemaster III, and the 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard, which flies the C-130 Hercules and HC-130J Combat King II. The U.S. Army Alaska headquarters is also located here, overseeing the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. The base supports extensive joint training exercises like Northern Edge and Arctic Eagle, and serves as a critical logistics node for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific Command and EUCOM theaters.
Environment and Conservation
The installation manages vast tracts of undeveloped land that provide habitat for diverse wildlife, including moose, black bear, bald eagle, and the federally threatened Cook Inlet beluga whale. Conservation programs are conducted in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The base has implemented significant measures to protect wetlands and riparian zones along Ship Creek, a vital salmon stream for Chinook and coho salmon. Environmental restoration efforts address legacy contamination from PCBs and fuels, guided by the Environmental Protection Agency's Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The base features a dual-runway airfield, one of which is among the longest in North America, capable of supporting all current military aircraft, including the C-5 Galaxy. Key facilities include the Buckner Physical Fitness Center, the Alaska Native Medical Center-affiliated hospital, and the Arctic Survival School. It houses extensive family housing areas, commissaries, and the Sullivan Arena for morale and welfare activities. The installation's strategic port facilities on Knik Arm and its connectivity to the Alaska Railroad and the Glenn Highway make it a central logistics hub for the entire U.S. military in the Arctic region.
Category:Joint bases of the United States Category:Installations of the United States Air Force in Alaska Category:Installations of the United States Army in Alaska Category:Buildings and structures in Anchorage, Alaska