Eielson AFB
Eielson is an Air Force Base located in Fairbanks North Start Borough, Alaska. It is situated in the proximity of the city of Fairbanks, at approximately 25 miles. It is also part of Fairbanks Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. Some cities like Salcha and Moose Creek are near the base.
Eielson is an Air Force military base in which the 354th Fighter Wing division is garrisoned. The 354th Fighter Wing is part of the Pacific Air Forces. The area of this facility boasts on 20,000 acres and there are 10 tenant units based in there. The base was built in the period between August 1943 and October 1944, and was named after Carl Ben Eielson, the famous polar pilot. The primary mission of Eielson AFB is to train and equip soldiers. Throughout its history the base has offered flawless hazard-free approaches. The logo of Eielson features a stallion and two crossed swords, conveying the symbolic meaning of peace, security and strength.
At Eielson there are both women and men housed and another interesting fact is that it has people from all races, all gathered to protect the USA. Bearing in mind the fact that it is situated in Alaska, there aren’t many attractions around, but one can always go to the near-by Home Rule city of Fairbanks, which has an interesting downtown and a great university – The University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
The educational facilities at Eielson train soldiers in flying operations and offer mission support. Among the many aircraft located at the base there are some A-10 Thunderbolt II, some L-20s, some examples of the famous P-51 Mustang, a T-33 Shooting Star, some F-80s. The number of people housed at the base is 5,400.
The importance of the base is not only that it trains and equips soldiers, but it also represents the Air Force in ceremonial festivities. The base has a very open-minded approach to receiving press and has participated in a Soldiers’ Deployment Process Test on 11.05.2007. At present, the base is commanded by Brigadier General David Scott.