Content deleted Content added
m Reverted edits by 214.15.20.20 (talk): not providing a reliable source (WP:CITE, WP:RS) (HG) (3.4.10) |
m (GR) File renamed: File:Refueling A-10s.jpg → File:Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker of the 168th ARS refuels Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 355th FS over Alaska (USA), 29 May 2007 (070529-F-4192W-881).jpg Criterion 2 (meaningless or ambiguous name) · info added |
||
(31 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown) | |||
Line 3:
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox military installation
| name = Eielson Air Force Base
| ensign =
| ensign_size =
| native_name =
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| location =
| nearest_town = [[Fairbanks]], [[Alaska]]
| country = the [[United States of America]]
| image = File:F-16C 86-270 18th Aggressor Squadron.jpg
| alt = An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 18th Aggressor Squadron flies over Eielson AFB in 2009. The base's largest hangar, known as the "Thunderdome," is visible in the bottom left of the image.
| caption = An [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] from the [[18th Aggressor Squadron]] flies over Eielson AFB during 2009. The base's largest hangar, known as the "Thunderdome," is visible in the bottom left of the image.
| image2 = [[File:Pacific Air Forces.png|100px]]
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| type = US Air Force Base
| coordinates = {{coord|64|39|56|N|147|06|05|W|region:US-AK|display=inline,title}}
| gridref =
| image_map =
| image_mapsize =
| image_map_alt =
| image_map_caption =
| pushpin_map = USA Alaska # North America # North Pacific
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| pushpin_relief = y
| pushpin_image =
| pushpin_label = Eielson AFB
| pushpin_label_position = top
| pushpin_mark = Roundel of the USAF.svg
| pushpin_marksize = 20
| ownership = [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]
| operator = [[United States Air Force|US Air Force]]
| controlledby = [[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF)
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc -->
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc -->
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = {{Start date|1943}} (as Mile 26 Satellite Field, redesignated 1948 as Eielson AFB)
| used = 1943 – present <!--{{End date|1946}} -->
| builder =
| materials =
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| condition = Operational
| battles =
| events =
| current_commander = [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]]
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = [[354th Fighter Wing]] (host)
| occupants = <!-- squadrons only -->
| designations =
| website = {{Official URL}}
<!-- begin airfield information -->
| IATA = EIL
| ICAO = PAEI
| FAA = EIL
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| WMO = 702650
| elevation = {{
| r1-number = 14/32
| r1-length = {{
| r1-surface = [[concrete]]
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{
| h1-surface =
| airfield_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities -->
<!-- end airfield information -->
| footnotes = '''Source:''' [[Federal Aviation Administration]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2001/01729ad.pdf#nameddest=(EIL)|title=Airport Diagram – Eielson AFB (PAEI)|date=5 December 2019|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}'''Eielson Air Force Base (AFB)''' {{Airport codes|EIL|PAEI|EIL}} is a [[United States Air Force]] base located approximately 26 miles (42 km) southeast of [[Fairbanks, Alaska]] and just southeast of [[Moose Creek, Alaska]]. It was established in 1943 as '''Mile 26 Satellite Field''' and redesignated Eielson AFB on 13 January 1948. It has been a [[Superfund]] site since 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/sites/eielson.htm|access-date=24 January 2020|title=Eielson Air Force Base|archive-date=25 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125100551/https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/sites/eielson.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Eielson AFB was named in honor of polar pilot [[Carl Ben Eielson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.militarybases.us/eielson-air-force-base/|title=Eielson Air Force Base – Military Bases|date=5 November 2012|access-date=26 April 2016|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808174214/http://www.militarybases.us/eielson-air-force-base/|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
▲
Its host unit is the [[354th Fighter Wing]] (354 FW) assigned to the [[Eleventh Air Force]] of the [[Pacific Air Forces]]. The 354 FW's primary mission is to support [[Red Flag – Alaska|RED FLAG-Alaska]], a series of [[Pacific Air Forces]] commander–directed field training exercises for U.S. Forces, joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close-air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. These exercises are conducted on the Joint Pacific Alaskan Range Complex (JPARC) with air operations flown out of Eielson and its sister installation, [[Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson]] (the former [[Elmendorf Air Force Base]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1211276/red-flag-alaska-begins/|access-date=26 January 2020|title=Red Flag-Alaska begins|date=9 June 2017 |archive-date=26 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126100355/https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1211276/red-flag-alaska-begins/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>"Frequently Asked Questions – Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex" https://www.jber.jb.mil/Portals/144/units/JPARC/PDF/JPARC-FAQ.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201145223/https://www.jber.jb.mil/Portals/144/units/JPARC/PDF/JPARC-FAQ.pdf |date=1 December 2019 }} Published 2012-02-28.</ref>
Eielson projects to have 54 [[Lockheed Martin F-
==History==
Line 88 ⟶ 90:
[[File:25milefield1945.jpg|thumb|Mile 26 Satellite Field (now Eielson AFB), 1945|alt=|left]]
On 7 June 1943, the [[Western Defense Command]] ordered construction of a new airfield near present-day [[Fort Wainwright]], then a [[United States Army Air Forces
A month later, contractors and civilian crews from Ladd Field started laying out the new airfield. Actual construction began on 25 August 1943. Crews built two parallel runways, {{convert|165|ft|m}} across and {{convert|6625|ft|m}} long. Other facilities included an operations building, housing for 108 officer and 330 enlisted personnel, and a ten-bed dispensary. The garrison and airfield totaled about {{convert|600|acre|km2}}. Completed on 17 October 1944, the 14-month project cost about eight-million dollars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themilitarystandard.com/afb/ak/eielson.php|access-date=24 January 2020|title=Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska|archive-date=14 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814063801/http://www.themilitarystandard.com/afb/ak/eielson.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
Operational uses of Mile 26 were few. Ladd Field served as the debarkation point for the [[ALSIB|Alaska-Siberia Ferry Route]] of the [[Lend-Lease]] program and was the hub of activity. Lend-lease aircraft would occasionally land at Mile 26, but there are no records
===Cold War===
The base reopened in September 1946, once again as a satellite of Ladd Field. The first
A year later
Headquarters USAF General Order 2, dated 13 January 1948, redesignated Mile 26 as Eielson
[[File:120124-F-KS512-001.jpg|thumb|Ptarmigan Hall in 1962, later renamed to Amber Hall|alt=Ptarmigan Hall in 1962, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska|left]]
For the next 34 years, the 5010th (alternately known as the Wing, Composite Wing, Air Base Wing, and lastly, Combat Support Group) served as host-unit at Eielson. Construction boomed at Eielson
[[File:Eielson AFB.jpg|thumb|The flight line and Thunderdome hangar building at Eielson|alt=The flight line and Thunderdome hangar building at Eielson Air Force Base]]
The [[720th Bombardment Squadron|720th Fighter-Bomber Squadron]], equipped with [[F-86 Sabre]]s, was deployed to Eielson during 1954–55. The 720th was a part of the [[450th Bombardment Wing|450th Fighter-Bomber Wing]] stationed at [[Foster Air Force Base
The [[Air Defense Command]] deployed interceptors to Eielson during the 1960s. Det. 3, [[317th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron]] from
During the height of the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] of October 1962, Eielson
The [[Cold War]] saw the use of Eielson's expansive reservation as a maneuver area for the [[U.S. Army]]. The 1960s [[171st Infantry Brigade (United States)|171st Infantry Brigade]] (
Today the [[1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (United States)|1st Brigade 25th Infantry Division]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/383784/combat-forces-integration/|access-date=25 January 2020|title=Combat Forces Integration|archive-date=25 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125110354/https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/383784/combat-forces-integration/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[25th Infantry Division (United States)|4th Brigade 25th Infantry Division]] can be found training there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2001075411/|access-date=25 January 2020|title=High in the sky}}</ref> Several important large scale winter field
'''375th/58th Strategic Weather Squadron'''
{{Main|58th Strategic Weather Squadron}}
The 375th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, from the [[308th Bombardment Group]] at [[Tinker
The 58th Weather Squadron remained at Eielson until 8 August 1958.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww35.usafunithistory.com/PDF/50-74/58%20WEATHER%20RECONNAISSANCE%20SQ.pdf|access-date=25 January 2020|title=58th WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON|archive-date=28 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828193824/http://ww35.usafunithistory.com/PDF/50-74/58%20WEATHER%20RECONNAISSANCE%20SQ.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
Line 127 ⟶ 129:
[[File:Rc-135eielson.jpg|thumb|A SAC [[RC-135]] Recon Aircraft of the 6th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing|alt=|left]]
In July 1960, the [[Strategic Air Command]] (SAC) stationed the [[4157th Strategic Wing|4157th Combat Support Group (later Strategic Wing)]] at Eielson. The '''[[6th Strategic Wing]]''' (6 SW) replaced the 4157 SW on 25 March 1967, relocating from [[Walker Air Force Base]], [[New Mexico]] after its closure.
The 6th SW flew [[Boeing RC-135|RC–135]] strategic reconnaissance missions with an assigned squadron, and, with
The 6th SW remained at Eielson AFB until 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rc135.com/0001/INDEX044.HTM|access-date=24 January 2020|title=History of The 6th|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915172424/http://www.rc135.com/0001/INDEX044.HTM|url-status=live}}</ref>
Line 137 ⟶ 139:
A new chapter for the base began 1 October 1981 when the [[343d Wing|343d Composite Wing]] replaced the 5010th as Eielson's host unit. Flying squadrons assigned to the new wing included the [[25th Air Support Operations Squadron|25th Tactical Air Support Squadron]] (TASS) and the [[18th Aggressor Squadron|18th Fighter Squadron]] (18 FS). The 25 TASS, at Eielson since 1971, flew [[O-2 Skymaster]] and [[OV-10 Bronco]] aircraft until its inactivation in 1989; the newly assigned 18 FS operated [[A-10 Thunderbolt II]]s until it converted to [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]]s in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f-16.net/units_article197.html|access-date=24 January 2020|title=18th Aggressor Squadron (USAF PACAF)|archive-date=24 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124212556/http://www.f-16.net/units_article197.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1984, the 343d Composite Wing was redesignated a Tactical Fighter Wing. Seven years later, in 1991, it was redesignated as the 343d Wing. Also that year, the 343d gained a second flying unit, the 11th Tactical Air Support Squadron (11 TASS), which flew [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II#Variants|OA-
===354th Fighter Wing===
Line 146 ⟶ 148:
[[File:354th-fw-headquarters-eielson.jpg|thumb|354th Fighter Wing Headquarters building|alt=|left]]
On 20 August 1993, the 354 FW replaced the 343d Wing. No personnel or equipment were affected by the change. Prior to its shutdown, the 343d was the oldest surviving air combat unit in Alaska with a lineage dating back to the [[Aleutian Islands campaign|Aleutian Campaign]]. The 18 FS, whose history also dated back to [[World War II]], remained active, but the 355 FS replaced the 11th TASS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themilitarystandard.com/afb/ak/eielson.php|access-date=26 January 2020|title=Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska|archive-date=14 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814063801/http://www.themilitarystandard.com/afb/ak/eielson.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
Another change involved the 3rd Fighter Training Squadron, which was replaced by the 353rd Fighter Squadron (later redesignated as a Combat Training Squadron).
Within the first year of its arrival the 354 FW hosted an Arctic [[combat search and rescue]] exercise between the United States, Canada, and Russia. Ironically, these were the same countries that took part in the search and recovery efforts that followed the fatal crash of Carl Ben Eielson and his mechanic, Earl Borland, in 1930 as they were attempting to fly relief supplies to the ''[[Nanuk (ship)|Nanuk]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alaska.edu/uajourney/notable-people/fairbanks/carl-ben-eielson/|access-date=25 January 2020|title=The following story was reprinted from the June 30, 1930 edition of Farthest North Collegian.|archive-date=25 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125095843/https://www.alaska.edu/uajourney/notable-people/fairbanks/carl-ben-eielson/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The 343d FW [[3d Flying Training Squadron|3d Fighter Training Squadron]] was replaced by the 353d Fighter Training Squadron from the 354th FW. The 3d Fighter Training Squadron had its origins with the 3d Tactical Fighter Squadron at [[Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base]], Thailand, being formed in March 1973. The 3d TFS received its [[LTV A-7 Corsair II|A-7D Corsair II]] aircraft from the then deployed 353d Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, deployed to Korat from [[Myrtle Beach
== Role and operations ==
Line 212 ⟶ 214:
* 25th Tactical Air Support Squadron
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
[[File:
* [[40th Air Refueling Squadron]]
* 55th Weather Recon Squadron Det 1
Line 260 ⟶ 262:
Flying and notable non-flying units based at Eielson Air Force Base.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eielson.af.mil/About-Us/Units/|title=Units|website=Eielson Air Force Base|publisher=US Air Force|access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=18 December 2020|title=355th Fighter Squadron reactivates, Alaska's second F-35A squadron|url=https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2452880/355th-fighter-squadron-reactivates-alaskas-second-f-35a-squadron/|url-status=live|access-date=8 July 2021|website=Eielson Air Force Base|publisher=US Air Force|language=en-US|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509185919/https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2452880/355th-fighter-squadron-reactivates-alaskas-second-f-35a-squadron/}}</ref>
Units marked "GSU" are
=== United States Air Force ===
Line 279 ⟶ 281:
**** 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
**** 354th Maintenance Squadron
**** 354th Munitions Squadron
**** Air Force Engineering and Technical Services
*** 354th Medical Group
Line 341 ⟶ 344:
== Eielson’s locomotives ==
[[File:GP-40 Electromotive Diesel locomotive.JPG|thumb|A U.S. Air Force [[EMD GP40-2]] locomotive sits outside Eielson
Eielson Air Force Base has several locomotives to transport coal in winter to the base's power station.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Articles/Article/382602/heating-up-with-eielsons-locomotives/ |title=Heating up with Eielson's locomotives |access-date=10 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103003413/https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/382602/heating-up-with-eielsons-locomotives/ |archive-date=3 November 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Microreactor==
The Department of the Air Force has selected Eielson Air Force Base for its first [[nuclear microreactor]]. A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assessment will begin by 2024. Microreactor testing and demonstration of power and steam is expected by year-end 2027.<ref name=power-20230831>{{cite news |url=https://www.powermag.com/u-s-air-force-selects-fast-microreactor-for-nuclear-power-pilot/ |title=U.S. Air Force Selects Fast Microreactor for Nuclear Power Pilot |last=Patel |first=Sonal |work=POWER magazine |date=31 August 2023 |access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=nei-20231122>{{cite news |url=https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsus-military-withdraws-offer-to-oklo-for-microreactor-11317824 |title=US military withdraws offer to Oklo for microreactor |publisher=Nuclear Engineering International |date=22 November 2023 |access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>
==Environmental problems==
Line 349 ⟶ 355:
The groundwater contains lead and [[volatile organic compounds]] (VOCs) like [[benzene]], [[xylene]], and [[toluene]]. Several areas of underground petroleum-contaminated soil and floating petroleum product are the sources of continuing groundwater contamination. Ingesting or coming into direct contact with contaminated groundwater or soil can pose a potential health threat. [[Polychlorinated biphenyl]] (PCB)-contaminated fish were also found in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/nplpad.nsf/88d393e4946e3c478825631200672c95/7b3ae961ead30000852565920073a181?OpenDocument|title=EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, EPA ID# AK1570028646, Last Update: April, 2002|publisher=Yosemite.epa.gov|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050914050855/http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/nplpad.nsf/88d393e4946e3c478825631200672c95/7b3ae961ead30000852565920073a181?OpenDocument|archive-date=14 September 2005|access-date=2013-04-29}}</ref> Construction of the superfund site was complete in 1998.<ref name="epa progress">{{cite web|url=http://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=1000110|title=Superfund Site Progress Profile EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE (EPA ID: AK1570028646)|date=23 June 2009|publisher=EPA|access-date=26 August 2015|archive-date=31 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031154721/http://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=1000110|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2014, Eielson tested waters and soils for [[perfluorinated compounds]] around areas where
==Demographics==
Line 365 ⟶ 371:
[[File:Fairbanks North Star Borough Alaska incorporated and unincorporated areas Eielson AFB highlighted.svg|300px|thumb|Location within Fairbanks North Star Borough and the state of Alaska]]
Eielson Air Force Base first appeared on the [[1970 United States census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,400 people, 1,448 households, and 1,414 families residing on the base. The population density was {{convert|40.1|/
There were 1,448 households, out of which 77.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 92.4% were married couples living together, 2.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 2.3% were non-families. 2.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 0.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.52 and the average family size was 3.55. At the base the population was spread out, with 40.8% under the age of 18, 16.6% from 18 to 24, 41.2% from 25 to 44, 1.2% from 45 to 64, and 0.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females there were 110.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.7 males.<ref name="GR2"/>
Line 375 ⟶ 381:
==2005 BRAC proceedings==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2015}}
On 13 May 2005, The [[United States
* It was decided that Eielson Air Force Base was to remain open.
* That the 354th Wing's [[A-10 Thunderbolt II]] aircraft were to be redistributed to the [[Air Force Reserve Command]]'s [[917th Wing]] (now the 917th Fighter Group of the [[442d Fighter Wing]]) at [[Barksdale Air Force Base]], [[Louisiana]] (three aircraft); to the [[Air Combat Command]]'s [[23d Wing]] at [[Moody Air Force Base]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] (12 aircraft); and to backup inventory at [[AMARC]] at
* The 18th Fighter Squadron (18 FS) converted to the 18th Aggressor Squadron. This squadron trains in the same manner as the aggressors at [[Nellis
* The
==See also==
Line 400 ⟶ 406:
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.eielson.af.mil/}}
* [https://eielsonforcesupport.com/recreation/odr Eielson MWR information]
*{{FAA-diagram|01729}}
* {{FAA-procedures|EIL}}
{{US-airport2|EIL|PAEI}}
{{Portal bar|Alaska|Aviation
{{Navboxes
|list =
Line 423 ⟶ 430:
[[Category:Economy of Fairbanks, Alaska]]
[[Category:Military Superfund sites]]
[[Category:Installations of Strategic Air Command
[[Category:Superfund sites in Alaska]]
[[Category:Military airbases established in 1943]]
|