Eielson Air Force Base
IATA: EIL - ICAO: PAEI
Summary
Airport type		Military
Operator		USAF
Elevation AMSL		548 ft (167 m)
Coordinates		64°39′56″N, 147°06′05″W
Runways
Direction	Length		Surface
	ft	m
13/31	14,507	4,422	Concrete

Eielson Air Force Base (IATA: EIL, ICAO: PAEI) is located in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. It is part of the 'Fairbanks, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area'. As of the 2000 census, the population of the base is 5,400. The base is named for polar pilot Carl Eielson. Image File history File links Elelsonafb-flightline. ... An IATA airport code, also known an IATA location identifier or simply a location identifier [1], is a three-letter code designating many airports around the world, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). ... The ICAO airport code (IPA pronunciation: ) is a four-letter alphanumeric code designating each airport around the world. ... Seal of the Air Force. ... The term above mean sea level (AMSL) refers to the elevation (on the ground) or altitude (in the air) of any object, relative to the average sea level. ... A foot (plural: feet or foot;[1] symbol or abbreviation: ft or, sometimes, ′ – a prime) is a unit of length, in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... The metre, or meter (U.S.), is a measure of length. ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A foot (plural: feet or foot;[1] symbol or abbreviation: ft or, sometimes, ′ – a prime) is a unit of length, in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... The metre, or meter (U.S.), is a measure of length. ... Concrete being poured, raked and vibrated into place in residential construction in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ... An IATA airport code, also known an IATA location identifier or simply a location identifier [1], is a three-letter code designating many airports around the world, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). ... The ICAO airport code (IPA pronunciation: ) is a four-letter alphanumeric code designating each airport around the world. ... Fairbanks North Star Borough is a borough located in the state of Alaska. ... Official language(s) English Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage Area  Ranked 1st  - Total 663,267 sq mi (1,717,855 km²)  - Width 808 miles (1,300 km)  - Length 1,479 miles (2,380 km)  - % water 13. ... Fairbanks (IPA: ) is a Home Rule City in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. ... In the United States, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has produced a formal definition of metropolitan areas, which are organized around county boundaries. ... The United States Census of year 2000, conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13. ... Carl Ben Eielson (1897 - 1929) was an aviator, bush pilot and explorer. ...

The base is home to the 354th Fighter Wing which reports to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. It also hosts the 168th Air Refueling Wing, an Alaska Air National Guard unit, which flies the KC-135 Stratotanker. // The 354th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Eielson Air Force Base and is assigned to 11th Air Force, headquartered at Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage. ... Emblem of the U.S. Air Forces Pacific The United States Pacific Air Forces (USPACAF or PACAF) is one of nine major U.S. Air Force commands and one of two located outside the continental United States, the other being U.S. Air Forces Europe. ... The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics in the United States. ... Primary user United States Air Force Number built 715 Unit cost US$9. ... The 168th Air Refueling Wing (168 ARW) of the Alaska Air National Guard is the only Arctic region refueling unit for all of United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and maintains a substantial number of personnel on active duty and civilian technician status in order to meet its daily operational... The Air National Guard (ANG) is part of the United States National Guard and a reserve component of the United States Air Force (USAF). ... The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft, first entered service in 1957 and expected to remain in service into the 2040s. ...

The base's longest runway is 14,500 feet long.

Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there are 5,400 people, 1,448 households, and 1,414 families residing on the base. The population density is 40.1/km² (103.8/mi²). There are 1,531 housing units at an average density of 11.4/km² (29.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the base is 81.70% White, 9.37% Black or African American, 0.63% Native American, 2.13% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 2.15% from other races, and 3.85% from two or more races. 5.81% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. 1870 US Census for New York City A census is the process of obtaining information about every member of a population (not necessarily a human population). ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ...

There are 1,448 households out of which 77.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 92.4% are married couples living together, 2.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 2.3% are non-families. 2.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 0.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.52 and the average family size is 3.55. “Matrimony” redirects here. ...

In the base the population is 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 are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 22 years. For every 100 females there are 110.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 114.7 males.

The median income for a household in the base is $35,938, and the median income for a family is $35,688. Males have a median income of $24,961 versus $21,432 for females. The per capita income for the base is $11,512. 6.0% of the population and 5.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.5% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. The per capita income for a group of people may be defined as their total personal income, divided by the total population. ... Map of countries showing percentage of population who have an income below the national poverty line The poverty line is the level of income below which one cannot afford to purchase all the resources one requires to live. ...

History

25 Mile Field - now Eielson AFB - 1945

Image File history File links 25milefield1945. ... Image File history File links 25milefield1945. ...

World War II

On 7 June 1943, the Western Defense Command ordered construction of a new airfield near present-day Fort Wainwright, then an Army airfield named for Major Arthur Ladd. Because of its hazard-free approaches and relatively flat terrain, surveyor reports indicated a site just over twenty miles (32 km) southeast of Ladd Field to be the best in the vicinity for military aviation. The field would become known as "Mile 26" because of its proximity to a U.S. Army Signal Corps telegraph station and a Richardson Highway milepost marker using the same designation. June 7 is the 158th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (159th in leap years), with 207 days remaining. ... 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1943 calendar). ... Fort Wainwright is a United States Army post adjacent to Fairbanks in the U.S. state of Alaska. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The U.S. Army Signal Corps was founded in 1861 by United States Army Major Albert J. Myer, a physician by training. ... The Richardson Highway runs from Valdez, Alaska to Fairbanks, Alaska. ...

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, 165 feet across and 6625 feet 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 600 acres. Completed on 17 October 1944 the 14-month project cost about eight million dollars. August 25 is the 237th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (238th in leap years), with 128 days remaining. ... 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1943 calendar). ... October 17 is the 290th day of the year (291st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ...

Operational uses of Mile 26 were few. Ladd Field served as the debarkation point for the 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 indications any Lend-Lease aircraft ever used the airfield to take off for Russia. Mile 26 closed at war's end. Siberian Federal District (darker red) and the broadest definition of Siberia (red) arctic northeast Siberia Udachnaya pipe Siberia (Russian: , Sibir; Tatar: ) is a vast region of Russia constituting almost all of Northern Asia and comprising a large part of the Euro-Asian Steppe. ... The Lend-Lease program was a program of the United States during World War II that allowed the United States to provide the Allied Powers with war material without becoming directly involved in the war. ...

Major United States Army Air Force units at Eielson during World War II were: The United States Army Air Forces, or USAAF, was a part of the U.S. military during World War II. The direct precursor to the U.S. Air Force, the USAAF formally existed between 1941 and 1947. ...

• Stn #4, Alaskan Wg (AAFTC), 20 September 1943
• 1466th AAF Base Unit, 4 August 1944

From 1946 through 1951, the 65th Fighter Squadron of World War II fame was based at Eielson. September 20 is the 263rd day of the year (264th in leap years). ... 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1943 calendar). ... August 4 is the 216th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (217th in leap years), with 149 days remaining. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

Cold War

During August 1947 - Although his main objective was a look at Ladd Field, General Hap Arnold toured Mile 26 in anticipation of the arrival of operational units.

97th Bombardment Wing

On 1 December 1947 Strategic Air Command bombers arrived at 26-Mile Airfield with the activation of the 97th Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy. The wing reported to Fifteenth Air Force, Strategic Air Command (SAC), although the Yukon Sector of the Alaskan Air Command controlled its operations. Operational squadrons of the 97th BW were: Image File history File links Download high resolution version (618x618, 82 KB) Description Shield of Strategic Air Command of the United States Air Force Source: http://www. ... December 1 is the 335th (in leap years the 336th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1947 calendar). ... For the film of the same name, see Strategic Air Command (film) The Strategic Air Command (SAC) was the operational establishment of the United States Air Force in charge of Americas bomber-based and ballistic missile-based strategic nuclear arsenal from 1946 to 1992. ... The Alaskan Air Command (AAC) was set up to provide an early warning of an aerial attack on the United States and Canada. ...

• 340th Bomb Squadron
• 341st Bomb Squadron
• 342d Bomb Squadron

The 97th was a temporary organization, comprised of components of the 97th Bombardment Group and the 519th Air Service Group, deployed from Smoky Hill Air Force Base, Kansas. The Air Force was conducting a service test of a combat wing structure that elevated the wing headquarters to the highest echelon of command on the base. This gave the wing commander the authority to direct activities rather than merely request that his flying mission receive support. Salina Municipal Airport (IATA: SLN, ICAO: KSLN) is a public airport located just southwest of Salina, Kansas. ... Official language(s) none Capital Topeka Largest city Wichita Area  Ranked 15th  - Total 82,277 sq mi (213,096 km²)  - Width 211 miles (340 km)  - Length 417 miles (645 km)  - % water 0. ...

During the tenure of the 97th Bomb Wing, Headquarters USAF General Order 2, dated 13 January 1948 redesignated Mile 26 Airfield as Eielson Air Force Base. January 13 is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1948 calendar). ...

The unit's March 1948 history stated: "The mission of the 97th Bombardment Wing (VHB) is to man, train and maintain a self-sustaining strategic bombardment group capable of operations in any theater." At the end of the Alaskan deployment the wing returned to Kansas on 12 March 1948. March 12 is the 71st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (72nd in leap years). ... 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1948 calendar). ...

5010th Air Base Wing

With the departure of the 97th Bomb Wing, the Eielson AFB Wing (Base Complement) was formed on 1 April 1948. On 20 April 1948, it was designated the 5010th Air Base Wing, and would be the host unit at the base until 1964. Image File history File links 5010abw-alaska. ... April 1 is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 274 days remaining. ... 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1948 calendar). ... April 20 is the 110th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (111th in leap years). ... 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1948 calendar). ...

The 5010th ABW would accommodate numerous SAC units on temporary deployment to Eielson, playing host to B-29s, B-36s and finally B-47s. In fact, the largest hangar on Eielson today, now used for the Air Force's Cope Thunder exercises, was originally built to house two B-36 "Peacekeeper" bombers, the largest bomber ever in Air Force inventory. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a four-engine heavy bomber propeller aircraft flown by the United States Army Air Forces in World War II and other military organizations afterwards. ... The Convair B-36 was a strategic bomber built by Convair for the United States Air Force, the first to have truly intercontinental range. ... The Boeing B-47 Stratojet jet bomber was a medium range and size bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the Soviet Union. ...

Construction boomed at Eielson AFB during the 1950s. Many of the facilities still in use today were built at that time - Amber Hall, Thunderdome, Base Exchange, Commissary, Gymnasium, Theater, Base Chapel, some of the schools and many of the dormitories, just to name a few.

58th Strategic Weather Squadron

WB-50 of the 58th Weather Squadron

Convair F-102A-15-CO Delta Dagger Serial 53-1802 undergoing cold weather testing.

McDonnell F-101A-10-MC Voodoo Serial 53-2433 undergoing cold weather testing.

Boeing RB-47H-1-BW Stratojet 5Serial 53-2496 on the snowy Eielson flightline.

The next SAC unit to use Eielson as a permanent base. was the 375th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, from the 308th Bombardment Group at Tinker AFB Oklahoma, arriving on 5 March 1949. The 308th flew WB-29 Superfortresses. The unit was redesignated the 58th Strategic Weather Squadron on 21 February 1951 as part of the 303d Bombardment Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB Arizona. Image File history File links Wb50-58ws-eielson. ... Image File history File links Wb50-58ws-eielson. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Tinker Air Force Base - Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (OC-ALC) - is a U.S. Air Force military base located near Oklahoma City in Midwest City, Oklahoma and is the largest single-site employer in the state having more than 24,000 workers. ... Official language(s) None Capital Oklahoma City Largest city Oklahoma City Area  Ranked 20th  - Total 69,960 sq mi (181,196 km²)  - Width 230 miles (370 km)  - Length 298 miles (480 km)  - % water 1. ... March 5 is the 64th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (65th in leap years). ... 1949 (MCMXLIX) was a common year starting on Saturday (the link is to a full 1949 calendar). ... The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a four-engine heavy bomber propeller aircraft flown by the United States Army Air Forces in World War II and other military organizations afterwards. ... February 21 is the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ... Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (D-M) is a key US Air Combat Command installation, located within the city limits of Tucson, Arizona at 32 09N 110 52W. 355th Wing emblem The 355th Wing is the host unit providing medical, logistical, and operational support to all D-M... Official language(s) English Capital Phoenix Largest city Phoenix Area  Ranked 6th  - Total 113,998 sq mi (295,254 km²)  - Width 310 miles (500 km)  - Length 400 miles (645 km)  - % water 0. ...

Notable instances at Eielson were:

• 7 September 1951 - Three people died in a C-47 crash about five miles southeast of the base. It was the first fatal accident involving an aircraft assigned to Eielson.

• 11 January 1952 – A C-47 crashed 40 miles southeast of the village of Fort Yukon. The crash site was not found until July 1952. Evidence indicated at least two of the crewmembers survived the crash, but perished in the bitter cold. Captain Ernie Walker, a Special Services officer, was on board the aircraft. In November 1953, the newly built Eielson AFB theater was dedicated in honor of Captain Walker.

• 25 January 1952 - What was believed to be the biggest single-dormitory facility in the Air Force opened. Dubbed the 750-man barracks, the building would later be known as Ptarmigan Hall and in 1970, it was renamed Amber Hall.

• 25 September 1953 – A 58 WRS WB-29 crashed just after takeoff two miles north of the base. Captain Charles F. Baker, a weather observer assigned to the unit, was the only fatality. The base gymnasium, Baker Field House, was named in his honor.

• January 1955 - During Operation Snowbird, First Lieutenant William Caffrey lost the canopy from his F-86 and his helmet at 32,000 feet. Still 100 miles from base, the 720th Fighter-Bomber Squadron pilot descended until he blacked out from lack of oxygen. After recovering consciousness, the radio-less flyer regained control of the aircraft, only to realize he didn’t know where he was. He eventually found himself near Eielson, and landed the plane uneventfully. He suffered frostbite on his ears and hands.

• 29 November 1955 - An F-84 crashed into Eielson family housing, killing fourteen. Seven of the victims were children, including the first triplets known to be born in the Fairbanks area. Forty years later, the base dedicated its new Child Development Center to the children.

• December 1955 -January 1956 - An F-100 and B-52 arrived for cold weather testing. In September 1956, an RB-47 arrived for a 190-day cold weather test. As the Air Force's northernmost base (except for Ladd), Eielson would host a number of tests over the coming years, most recently the C-17 in 1994 and B-2 in 1996.

• 31 August 1956 - A 58th Reconnaissance Squadron WB-50, recently dubbed the "Golden Heart" in honor of the city of Fairbanks, crashed into the Susitna River near Willow. All eleven aboard died.

• 29 June 1956 - General Curtis LeMay toured Eielson.

• 17 January 1957 - A WB-50 assigned to the 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron crashed shortly after takeoff approximately three miles north of Eielson. All 12 crewmembers were killed.

• 20 July 1957 - Sixty years after his birth, Air Force officials, community and state dignitaries, and members of Carl Ben Eielson’s family gathered at the base to dedicate a memorial to the fallen pilot. Originally located just outside the main gate, the memorial’s present location is at Heritage Park.

• 9 September 1958 - While flying as a relief navigator aboard an SC-47, Major Charles Pennell of Eielson’s 11th Aviation Depot Squadron died in a crash at Elmendorf. Pennell Elementary School would later be named after him.

The 58th Weather Squadron remained at Eielson until 8 August 1958. September 7 is the 250th day of the year (251st in leap years). ... 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ... The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota was a military transport that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. ... January 11 is the 11th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1952 (MCMLII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota was a military transport that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. ... Fort Yukon is a city located in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. ... January 25 is the 25th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1952 (MCMLII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... September 25 is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1953 (MCMLIII) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... The North American F-86 Sabre (sometimes called the Sabrejet) was a transonic combat aircraft developed for the US Air Force. ... November 29 is the 333rd (in leap years the 334th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1955 (MCMLV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Republic Aviation F-84 Thunderjet was an American-built turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft. ... F-100A Super Sabre The North American F-100 Super Sabre was a jet fighter aircraft that served with the USAF from 1954 to 1971 and with the ANG until 1979. ... The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, jet strategic bomber flown by the United States Air Force (USAF) since 1954. ... The Boeing B-47 Stratojet jet bomber was a medium range and size bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the Soviet Union. ... The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is a strategic airlifter manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and operated by the United States Air Force, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. ... The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is a multi-role stealth bomber able to drop conventional and nuclear weapons. ... August 31 is the 243rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (244th in leap years), with 122 days remaining. ... 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Fairbanks (IPA: ) is a Home Rule City in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. ... The Susitna River in south central Alaska The Susitna River (soo-SIT-nuh) is a river, approximately 300 mi (480 km) long, in south central Alaska in the United States. ... Willow is a census-designated place located in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska. ... June 29 is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 185 days remaining. ... 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Curtis Emerson LeMay (November 15, 1906 – October 1, 1990) was a General in the United States Air Force and the vice presidential running mate of independent candidate George C. Wallace in 1968. ... January 17 is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1957 (MCMLVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... July 20 is the 201st day (202nd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 164 days remaining. ... 1957 (MCMLVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... September 9 is the 252nd day of the year (253rd in leap years). ... Year 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... August 8 is the 220th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (221st in leap years), with 145 days remaining. ... Year 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing

The SAC 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Forbes Air Force Base Kansas deployed three RB-47 Stratojets to Eielson on 16 June 1956. These were: Forbes Air Force Base is a long-time Strategic Air Command base located five miles south of Topeka, Kansas; much now transferred to the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority. ... Official language(s) none Capital Topeka Largest city Wichita Area  Ranked 15th  - Total 82,277 sq mi (213,096 km²)  - Width 211 miles (340 km)  - Length 417 miles (645 km)  - % water 0. ... The Boeing B-47 Stratojet jet bomber was a medium range and size bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the Soviet Union. ... June 16 is the 167th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (168th in leap years), with 198 days remaining. ... 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

• 319th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron
• 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron
• 322d Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron

The 90th deployed these squadrons for just over a year, departing on 31 August 1956. August 31 is the 243rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (244th in leap years), with 122 days remaining. ... 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

6th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing

"Rivet Amber" (#62-4137) RC-135E of the 6th SRW at Eielson

In July 1960, the Strategic Air Command stationed the 4157th Combat Support Group (later Strategic Wing) at Eielson. The 6th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (6 SRW) replaced the 4157 SW on 25 March 1967, relocating from Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico after its closure. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (800x634, 107 KB) SAC RC-135 Recon Aircraft of the 6th Strategic Reconnasance Wing - Eielson AFB Alaska Source: USAF File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (800x634, 107 KB) SAC RC-135 Recon Aircraft of the 6th Strategic Reconnasance Wing - Eielson AFB Alaska Source: USAF File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... For the film of the same name, see Strategic Air Command (film) The Strategic Air Command (SAC) was the operational establishment of the United States Air Force in charge of Americas bomber-based and ballistic missile-based strategic nuclear arsenal from 1946 to 1992. ... March 25 is the 84th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (85th in leap years). ... 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ... Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico Walker Air Force Base, also known as Roswell Army Air Field, is a former United States Air Force Base, located 8 miles south of Roswell, New Mexico. ... Capital Santa Fe Largest city Albuquerque Area  Ranked 5th  - Total 121,665 sq mi (315,194 km²)  - Width 342 miles (550 km)  - Length 370 miles (595 km)  - % water 0. ...

The 6th SRW flew RC–135 strategic reconnaissance missions with an assigned squadron, and, with KC–135s deployed to Eielson from SAC, AFRES, and the ANG, conducted Alaska Task Force (ATTF) missions to support reconnaissance and numerous exercises for the Air Force and Navy. It has been suggested that Rivet Amber be merged into this article or section. ...

In winter 1962, an Eielson KC-135 crashed on takeoff, killing the crew, two passengers, and one person on the ground. The accident was thought to be a result of pilot vertigo caused by ice fog. The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft, first manufactured in 1956 and expected to remain in service into the 2020s. ... For the abbreviation, see FOG. For the B-Side by Radiohead see Fog (song). ...

From April 1968 to July 1972 the wing periodically served as the airborne monitor of the Alaskan ballistic missile early warning station. The wing maintained a detachment at Shemya AFS, in the Aleutians, and operated from there.

The Wing won the P.T. Cullen Award for greatest contributions to the photo and signal intelligence efforts of Strategic Air Command, 1973, 1978, and 1983. The 24th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron left Eielson AFB on 7 Jul 1992. The mission of the 6th SRW and assigned aircraft were transferred to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 177 days remaining. ... Offutt Air Force Base (Offutt AFB) is a base of the United States Air Force and a census-designated place (CDP) located in Sarpy County, Nebraska. ... Official language(s) English Capital Lincoln Largest city Omaha Largest metro area Omaha Area  Ranked 16th  - Total 77,421 sq mi (200,520 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 430 miles (690 km)  - % water 0. ...

Notable events at Eielson during the 6th SRW's tenure were:

• 5 June 1969 - Rivet Amber, an RC-135E assigned to Eielson, crashed in the Bering Sea minutes after leaving Shemya Air Force Base. Nineteen crewmembers died. Amber Hall, the headquarters building at Eielson, was named for the crew a year later.

• 1 February 1959 - Captain Perry Amidon, suspecting the aircraft he was in to be out of control, ejected from the B-58 Hustler at 24,000 feet. The aircraft’s pilot thought otherwise, however, and landed the plane at Eielson a few minutes later. The uninjured Captain Amidon, flew back to base about an hour later in a helicopter.

• 21 April 1964 - A WB-47 belonging to Detachment 1 of the 55th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron crashed on takeoff. Three of the five crewmembers died in the accident.

• 30 September 1965 - An Eielson helicopter crew rescued two Baptist ministers after their light plane crashed between Nome and Moses Point. Throughout the 1960s, Eielson crews averaged several rescues each year.

• 17 November 1967 - The quick response of the 5010th Combat Support Group to the Chena River flood (12 August–21 August 1967) and the subsequent help provided to Fairbanks and other communities led to the 5010th’s third Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

• 8 July 1971 - When Lieutenant Colonel James O. Swanson became commander of the reincarnated 25th Tactical Air Support Squadron, he had a borrowed desk, a telephone, and a promise for nine aircraft and accompanying personnel. It took two months to get the first O-2A "Mosquito," and the unit’s complement of 14 officers and eight NCOs would not be complete until June 1972.

• 9 December 1974 - An O-2A, assigned to the 25th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Eielson, crashed while on a routine training mission on the Fort Greely training area near Delta Junction. The pilot and co-pilot were both killed.

• 29 November 1975 - President Gerald R. Ford stopped at Eielson en route to China. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger accompanied Ford, only the second President to visit Interior Alaska and the first to tour Eielson.

• February 1977 - Cold weather testing of the A-10 aircraft took place through the end of the month. As part of the test, the aircraft participated in the "Jack Frost" exercise also hosted by the base.

• 12 January 1979 - Five-hundred Eielsonites braved sub-zero temperatures to view the Air Force's newest aircraft, the as yet unnamed F-16, present for cold weather testing.

• 7 December 1975 - All crewmembers died when a KC-135 assigned to Plattsburgh AFB in New York crashed after takeoff from Eielson.

On 22 December 1993 the 6th was redesignated the 6th Air Base Wing and activated on 4 January 1994 at MacDill AFB Florida with a primary mission of supporting two unified commands, U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Central Command. On 1 October 1996 the wing returned to its flying mission and was renamed the 6th Air Refueling Wing. On 1 January 2001 the 6th ARW reorganized and became the 6th Air Mobility Wing (6th AMW). June 5 is the 156th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (157th in leap years), with 209 days remaining. ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... Rivet Amber, an RC-135 operating out of Shemya AFB, went down in the Bering Sea on 5 June 1969. ... It has been suggested that Rivet Amber be merged into this article or section. ... Satellite photo of the Bering Sea Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean Bearing Sea with Kamchatka Peninsula and Alaska The Bering (or Imarpik) Sea is a body of water north of, and separated from, the north Pacific Ocean by the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands. ... Shemya or Simiya is a small island in the Semichi Islands southwest of Alaska, at 52°43′N 175°6′E. It is about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. ... February 1 is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Year 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Convair B-58 Hustler was a high-speed jet bomber capable of supersonic flight. ... April 21 is the 111th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (112th in leap years). ... 1964 (MCMLXIV) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1964 calendar). ... The Boeing B-47 Stratojet jet bomber was a medium range and size bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the Soviet Union. ... September 30 is the 273rd day of the year (274th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1965 calendar). ... Aerial view of the harbor in Nome Nome is a city located on the southern Seward Peninsula coast of Norton Sound in the Nome Census Area of the U.S. state of Alaska. ... 17 November is also the name of a Marxist group in Greece, coinciding with the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising. ... 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ... The Chena River is a river that flows in the interior of Alaska from the Alaskan White Mountains east of Fairbanks into the Tanana River near Fairbanks. ... August 12 is the 224th day of the year (225th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... August 21 is the 233rd day of the year (234th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ... The Outstanding Unit Award is a decoration of the United States Air Force which was first created in 1954. ... July 8 is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 176 days remaining. ... 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday. ... The O-2 Skymaster is a military version of the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster. ... December 9 is the 343rd day (344th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ... Fort Greely is the name of a launch site for sounding rockets in Alaska at 64°00′ N 146°00′ W. http://www. ... Delta Junction is a city located in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska, USA. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city is 840. ... November 29 is the 333rd (in leap years the 334th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday. ... Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr. ... Seal of the United States Department of State. ... Henry Alfred Kissinger (born Heinz Alfred Kissinger on May 27, 1923 in Fürth) is a German-born American diplomat, and 1973 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. ... Fall in Interior Alaska The Alaska Interior covers most of that U.S. states territory. ... Primary user United States Air Force Number built 715 Unit cost US$9. ... January 12 is the 12th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the song by the Smashing Pumpkins, see 1979 (song). ... The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a modern multi-role jet fighter aircraft built in the United States and used by dozens of countries all over the world. ... December 7 is the 341st day (342nd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday. ... The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft, first manufactured in 1956 and expected to remain in service into the 2020s. ... FAA diagram of Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) Plattsburgh International Airport (IATA: PBG, ICAO: KPBG) is located at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base in Plattsburgh, New York. ... NY redirects here. ... December 22 is the 356th day of the year (357th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... January 4 is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by United Nations. ... MacDill Air Force Base (MacDill AFB) is a base of the United States Air Force located in Florida, 8 miles south of Tampa at the tip of the Interbay Peninsula. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ... Emblem of the United States Special Operations Command. ... Emblem of the United States Central Command. ... October 1 is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty. ... January 1 is the first day of the calendar year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. ... 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

343d Composite/Fighter Wing

An O2-A of the 25th Tactical Air Support Squadron

A new chapter for the base began 1 October 1981 when the 343d Composite Wing replaced the 5010th as Eielson’s host unit. It's operational squadron was the 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying the Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II Image File history File links 343rdwing-alaska. ... Image File history File links O2a-eielson. ... Image File history File links O2a-eielson. ... October 1 is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Primary user United States Air Force Number built 715 Unit cost US$9. ...

On 19 December 1991 the 3d Fighter Training Squadron was moved without personnel or equipment to Eielson from Clark Air Base, Philippines. The 3d administered the Cope Thunder program and flew Bell Helicopter UH-1N Hueys for range support. December 19 is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Clark Air Base, 1975. ... The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, commonly known as the Huey, was a multipurpose military helicopter, famous for its use in the Vietnam war. ...

On 8 June 1994 the 343d Composite Wing was redesignated the 343d Tactical Fighter Wing. On 1 July 1991, it was redesignated as the 343d Wing. Also that year, the 343d gained a second flying unit, the 11th Tactical Air Support Squadron, which flew O/A-10As. June 8 is the 159th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (160th in leap years), with 206 days remaining. ... 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by United Nations. ... July 1 is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 183 days remaining. ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Additional flying squadrons assigned to the new wing included the 25th Tactical Air Support Squadron flying the Cessna O-2A Skymaster and North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco. The O-2 Skymaster is a military version of the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster. ... An OV-10 as displayed in Hurlburt Field Air Park. ...

The 25th TASS O-2s were distinguishable by orange panels on the nose, tail and wings. In July 1986, the O-2s were retired, and on 15 September 1989 the OV-10s were also retired and the squadron inactivated. September 15 is the 258th day of the year (259th in leap years). ... 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The 18th TFS realigned in 1991, transitioning to Block 40 F-16C/D Fighting Falcons. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics in the United States. ...

On 20 August 1993, the 11th TASS inactivated, being replaced by the 355th FS from the 354th Fighter Wing. August 20 is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ...

The 3d FTS helicopters were reassigned to other bases on that same date and the unit was inactivated, being replaced by the 353d Fighter Training Squadron from the 354th FW.

Notable events during the 343d Wing's tenure were:

• 15 March 1981 - An RC-135S assigned to the 6th Strategic Wing crashed while attempting to land at Shemya. Six crewmembers died as result of the crash.

• 27 February 1985 - An RC-135 belonging to Eielson’s 6th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing crashed near Valdez, killing all three aboard. Exactly one month later, a 25th TASS pilot died while flying an Air Warrior mission in California.

• 25 October 1986 - The 168th Air Refueling Squadron of the Alaska Air National Guard activated at Eielson. Later elevated to Group status, the 168th flew KC-135 aircraft. As the only Arctic-based tanker group in PACAF, the 168th transfers more fuel than any other ANG refueling unit. It often participates in COPE THUNDER exercises. In 1994, the 168th boasted over 700 full and part time guardsmen. Although the 168th has only been active since 1986, KC-135s have been assigned to Eielson AFB for over 35 years.

• 17 June–28 June 1991 – Pacific Air Forces premier flying training exercise, COPE THUNDER, came to Eielson. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippine Islands prompted the move; the subsequent closing of Clark Air Base, COPE THUNDER's home since 1976, brought the exercise to Alaska permanently.

March 15 is the 74th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (75th in leap years). ... 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... February 27 is the 58th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Valdez (IPA: ) is a city in Valdez-Cordova Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... October 25 is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Emblem of the U.S. Air Forces Pacific The United States Pacific Air Forces (USPACAF or PACAF) is one of nine major U.S. Air Force commands and one of two located outside the continental United States, the other being U.S. Air Forces Europe. ... June 17 is the 168th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (169th in leap years), with 197 days remaining. ... June 28 is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 186 days remaining. ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, at the intersection of the borders of the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. ... The Philippine islands is a commonly mistaken description for the Philippines. ... Clark Air Base, 1975. ...

Eielson Today

Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (978x971, 168 KB) 354th Fighter Wing Shield File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

354th Fighter Wing

The 354th Fighter Wing replaced the 343d on 20 August 1993. No personnel or equipment were affected by the change. This change was part of a service-wide effort to preserve the lineage of the Air Force’s most honored wings. Prior to its shutdown, the 343d was the oldest surviving air combat unit in Alaska, with a lineage dating back to the Aleutian Campaign. August 20 is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... Combatants United States Canada Empire of Japan Commanders Thomas C. Kinkaid (navy), Francis W. Rockwell (landings), Albert E. Brown (army), Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr. ...

The 18 Fighter Squadron, whose history also dated back to World War II, remained active, but the 355th Fighter Squadron replaced the 11th TASS. // The 355th Fighter Squadron is tasked to provide mission ready O/A-10s as well as search and rescue capability, in Alaska and deployed sites worldwide. ...

Also changing names were the 3rd Fighter Training Squadron, which became the 353rd Fighter Squadron (later Combat Training Squadron). The 353 FS and 355 FS had long associations with the new host unit. The 353d Combat Training Squadron is an United States Air Force training squadron responsible for Exercise RED FLAG - ALASKA held annually in Alaska. ...

All 354th Fighter Wing Aircraft carry the tail code "AK". 18th FS F-16s carry a blue tail stripe, while 355th FS A-10s carry a black tail stripe.

18th Fighter Squadron Image File history File links 18FS.jpg‎ Badge of the 18th Fighter Wing, Eielson Air Force Base The graphic above is a representation of a U.S. military badge, created by the U.S. military and/or the Department of Defense. ...

General Dynamics F-16C Block 40H Fighting Falcon Serial 90-0718 of the 18th FS flying over the Alaska Range

The 18th Fighter Squadron flies the Block 40 General Dynamics F-16C/D aircraft. Image File history File links 18fsf16. ... Image File history File links 18fsf16. ...

In 1997, elements of the 18th FS deployed to Singapore and Malaysia to take part in dissimilar air combat tactic training as part of exercise COMMANDO SLING and COPE TAUFAN, respectively. The COPE TAUFAN deployment marked the first time Pacific Air Forces' F-16s had flown against MiG-29s. Emblem of the U.S. Air Forces Pacific The United States Pacific Air Forces (USPACAF or PACAF) is one of nine major U.S. Air Force commands and one of two located outside the continental United States, the other being U.S. Air Forces Europe. ... The Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name Fulcrum) is a Russian fighter aircraft used in the air superiority role. ...

The unit deployed to Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, October-December 1998 to support Operation Southern Watch. Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base (ICAO: OKAJ) is a Kuwait air force installation with part designated for operations by the US Air Force and its allies. ...

Later, the squadron deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, September–December 2000, employing 5 F-16 aircraft and 110 personnel, conducting the first ever Combat Search and Rescue support tasking for an F-16 squadron in support of Operation Northern Watch. The Ä°ncirlik Air Base, an important regional storage center in NATOs Southern Region is located in Ä°ncirlik, 12 km east of Adana, Turkeys fourth largest city, and 56 km from the Mediterranean Sea (, ). Its ICAO airport code is LTAG. The airbase has a United States Air Force (USAF...

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the 18th FS was called to generate eight aircraft for Alaska NORAD air defense during Operation NOBLE EAGLE, though the aircraft never had to launch. A sequential look at United Flight 175 crashing into the south tower of the World Trade Center The September 11, 2001 attacks (often referred to as 9/11—pronounced nine eleven or nine one one) consisted of a series of coordinated terrorist[1] suicide attacks upon the United States, predominantly... NORAD is short for: North American Aerospace Defense Command Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...

The squdron's next deployment was to Al Jaber AB, Kuwait, December 2001-March 2002 to support simultaneous combat operations for Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and ENDURING FREEDOM. They flew more than 3,200 hours in only 3 months, an amazing feat for the 142 Blue Foxes who deployed with only 10 aircraft. During that time, the 18th FS flew missions in support of Operation ANACONDA, including one in the Shah-I-Kot valley on March 2 when U.S. forces, engaged in a firefight with Taliban and Al Qaeda forces, called for aerial assistance. A number of Blue Foxes responded, dropping bombs with pinpoint accuracy on the opposing forces. Two 18 FS pilots received Distinguished Flying Crosses for their efforts. March 2 is the 61st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (62nd in leap years). ...

The squadron deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE during March 2003. The unit also participated in COMMANDO SLING, in October 2003. Andersen Air Force Base, is a base of the United States Air Force located on the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean, on the north end of the island approximately 15 miles (24 km) from the capital, Agana. ...

As part of the change from COPE THUNDER to RED FLAG — ALASKA, the 18th FS will be converting to the 18th Aggressor Squadron. This squadron will train in the same manner as the aggressors at Nellis AFB, learning the flying styles and abilities of foreign air forces to train USAF pilots. Aircraft changes entail sending all 18 of its Block 40 F-16 Fighting Falcons to Kunsan AB, Korea, and receiving 18 Block 30 F-16s from Kunsan. At a time unspecified, the 18th will achieve a full complement of 24 F-16 fighters. Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base, located in Clark County, Nevada, on the northeast side of Las Vegas. ... The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a modern multi-role jet fighter aircraft designed in the United States. ... Kunsan Air Base, a base of the United States Air Force, is located on the western side of the South Korean peninsula bordered by the Yellow Sea. ... Korea (Korean: 한국 or ì¡°ì„ , see below) is a geographic area, civilization[], and former state situated on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. ...

355th Fighter Squadron Image File history File links 355fs. ...

An A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on the tarmac at Eielson before a mission

The 355th Fighter Squadron flies the Republic A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. It was activated on 20 August 1993, replacing the deactivating 11th Tactical Air Support Squadron. The unit's primary missions included air strike control, close air support, interdiction, joint air attack team, escort, and combat search and rescue. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1050x750, 323 KB)Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska -- An O/A-10 Thunderbolt II stands ready just before a training mission here Dec. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1050x750, 323 KB)Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska -- An O/A-10 Thunderbolt II stands ready just before a training mission here Dec. ... Primary user United States Air Force Number built 715 Unit cost US$9. ... August 20 is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ...

In October 1998, the 355 FS deployed to support Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Only two months later, the Warthogs saw their second tour of combat duty over Iraq while participating in the Dec. 16-19, 1998, Operation DESERT FOX strike missions. In 2.5 months, the 355 FS flew 597 combat and combat support sorties leading up to, then conducting, National Command Authority directed strikes on Iraqi military facilities and suspected weapons of mass destruction storage areas. They achieved 100 percent target hit rate.

The unit deployed to Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, January - March 2001. The 355 FS also exercised at Hurlburt Field, Florida, to train with Special Forces units, October 2003. Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base (ICAO: OKAJ) is a Kuwait air force installation with part designated for operations by the US Air Force and its allies. ... Hurlburt Field is a base of the United States Air Force located in Okaloosa County, Florida on the Eglin Air Force Base reservation immediately west of the Town of Mary Esther. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ...

Image File history File links 353cts. ...

353d Combat Training Squadron

The 353rd Combat Training Squadron is a non-flying unit responsible for sponsoring training and experimentation in Alaska. The squadron was previously assigned to 11th Air Force, headquartered at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; however, the 353 CTS was returned to the 354th FW in October 2006. The 353d Combat Training Squadron is an United States Air Force training squadron responsible for Exercise RED FLAG - ALASKA held annually in Alaska. ... Military aircraft began to deploy to Alaska during the last half of 1940. ... A Japanese F-15 takes off from Elmendorf during a joint exercise. ...

All the activities on Alaska’s three weapons training ranges – incorporating more than 68,000 square miles of airspace, 28 threat systems, and 225 targets for range and exercise operations – are planned and controlled by 353rd CTS personnel.

The three tactical ranges supervised by the squadron’s range division are Blair Lakes, Yukon and Oklahoma. The Blair Lakes Conventional Range is located about 26 miles southwest of Eielson AFB. Isolated in a sub-arctic tundra environment, this range is manned continuously and is normally accessible only by helicopter.

The Yukon Tactical and Electronic Warfare Range is 15 miles east of Eielson. Accessible most of the year, this mountainous complex is only manned as necessary to provide electronic warfare training.

KC-135R of the 168th Refueling Wing

The Oklahoma Tactical Range is located within the U.S. Army's Cold Region Test Center at Fort Greely, Alaska, and is the largest of the three ranges, encompassing more than 900,000 acres of relatively flat, open terrain. Image File history File links ANGKC-135R.jpg‎ KC-135R of the 168th Refueling Wing - Alaska Air National Guard Source: USAF File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links ANGKC-135R.jpg‎ KC-135R of the 168th Refueling Wing - Alaska Air National Guard Source: USAF File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

Cope Thunder exercises take place over Alaskan and Canadian airspace. The airspace – 17 permanent military operations areas and high-altitude training areas, plus two restricted areas – total more than 68,000 square miles.

Cope Thunder’s economic impact on the communities surrounding Eielson and Elmendorf AFBs have been large and should continue to be so. In 2001 alone, military members taking part in the exercises poured more than $2 million into the local economies. Eielson AFB building projects resulting all or in part from Cope Thunder include a $23 million transient personnel facility, a $13 million Cope Thunder operations building, a $35 million air-to-air tracking system; eight two-bay all-weather aircraft shelters valued at $25 million, and a $2 million range microwave link. Additionally, the number of threat emitters on Cope Thunder ranges was doubled from 14 to 28 and several of the communication systems between ranges and Eielson have been upgraded. A Japanese F-15 takes off from Elmendorf during a joint exercise. ...

Image File history File links 168arw. ...

168th Air Refueling Wing (ANG)

The Alaska Air National Guard is the only Arctic region refueling unit for all of PACAF, and maintains a substantial number of personnel on active duty and civilian technician status in order to meet its daily operational requirements. The Wing’s Primary Assigned Aircraft are eight KC-135 R-models assigned to the 168th Air Refueling Squadron. Official language(s) English Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage Area  Ranked 1st  - Total 663,267 sq mi (1,717,855 km²)  - Width 808 miles (1,300 km)  - Length 1,479 miles (2,380 km)  - % water 13. ... The Air National Guard (ANG) is part of the United States National Guard and a reserve component of the United States Air Force (USAF). ... The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft, first manufactured in 1956 and expected to remain in service into the 2020s. ...

The wing aircraft are identified with a blue tail stripe, and the name "Alaska".

In January 1994, January 1996, and January 2004, the 168 ARW received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The Outstanding Unit Award is a decoration of the United States Air Force which was first created in 1954. ...

In April 1996 and again in 1997, the 168 ARW won one of the five annual Distinguished Flying Unit Plaques sponsored by the National Guard Association of the Untied States.

Also in 1997, they earned the Curtis N. “Rusty” Metcalf Trophy, for the tactical/strategic airlift or air refueling flying unit demonstrating the highest standards of mission accomplishment over a sustained period each year.

Base Realignment and Closure, 2005

On 13 May 2005, The Department of Defense proposed a major realignment of the base as part of the Base Realignment and Closure program. May 13 is the 133rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (134th in leap years). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The United States Department of Defense (DOD or DoD) is the federal department charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the military. ... The preliminary 2005 Base Realignment and Closure list was released by the United States Department of Defense on May 13, 2005. ...

• It was decided that the base was to remain open.

• The A-10 aircraft will be distributed to the Air Force Reserve Command 917th Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana (three aircraft); to the Air Combat Command 23d Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia (12 aircraft); and to backup inventory at AMARC (three aircraft). This action is part of a larger effort to consolidate the A-10 fleet. Status of 355th FS (unknown).

• The 18th FS will be converting to the 18th Aggressor Squadron. This squadron will train in the same manner as the aggressors at Nellis AFB, learning the flying styles and abilities of foreign air forces to train USAF pilots. Aircraft changes entail sending all 18 of its Block 40 F-16 Fighting Falcons to Kunsan AB, Korea, and receiving 18 Block 30 F-16s from Kunsan. At a time unspecified, the 18th will achieve a full complement of 24 F-16 fighters.

• Alaska ANG 168th Air Refueling Wing KC-135's will remain at Eielson.

This article or section should include material from U.S. Air Force Reserve Shield of the Air Force Reserve Command. ... Barksdale Air Force Base is a United States military base near Bossier City, Louisiana. ... Official language(s) de jure: none de facto: English & French Capital Baton Rouge Largest city Baton Rouge [1] Area  Ranked 31st  - Total 51,885 sq mi (134,382 km²)  - Width 130 miles (210 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 16  - Latitude 29°N to 33°N  - Longitude 89°W... ACC bases and deploments The Air Combat Command (ACC) is a major command (MAJCOM) of the United States Air Force whose mission is to provide air combat forces (mostly aircraft), to other commands, including both commands within the Air Force as well as the United States Unified Combatant Commands that... Moody Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in Lowndes County, Georgia. ... Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base, located in Clark County, Nevada, on the northeast side of Las Vegas. ... Korea (Korean: 한국 or ì¡°ì„ , see below) is a geographic area, civilization[], and former state situated on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. ...

Aircraft Stationed at Eielson

• 65th Fighter Squadron (1946-47; Det 1950-51) P-51 (1946-47); F-80 (1950-51); T-33 (1950-51)
• 375th Recon Squadron (1949-51) B/RB/WB-29 (1949-51); C-47 (1949-51)
• 58th Weather Recon Squadron (1951-58) WB-29 (1951-56); WB-50 (1955-58)
• 5010th Combat Support Group (1949-81) L-20 (by 1952-60); T-33 (by 1957-81); VC/SC/C-47 (by 1952-59, 1962-69); C-123 (1965-66, 1969-71); CH/SH/HH-21 (1960-69)
• 40th Air Refueling Squadron (1959-61) KC-97 (1959-61)
• 720th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (1954-55) F-86 (1954-55); T-33 (1954-55)
• 455th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (1955) F-86 (1955)
• Det 3, 317th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (1960-69) F-102 (1960-69); F-106 (1965-69)
• Det DC, 43 TFS, 21st Composite Wing (1970-82) F-4 (1970-82)
• Det 1, 55th Weather Recon Squadron (1960-68) WB-47 (1960-68)
• 4157th Strategic Wing (1962-67) KC-135 (1962-67); RC-135 (1962-67)
• 6th Strategic Recon Wing (1967-92) KC-135 (1967-92); RC-135 (1967-92)
• Det 1, 5040th Helicopter Squadron (1969-76); Det 1, 71st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (1976-80) HH-21 (1969-70); HH-3 (1970-80)
• 25th Tactical Air Support Squadron (1971-89) O-2A (1971-86); OV-10 (1986-89)
• 11th Tactical Air Support Squadron (1991-93) OA-10 (1991-93)
• 18th Fighter Squadron (1981-Present) A-10 (1981-91); F-16 (1991-Present)
• 168th Air Refueling Group (AKANG) (1986-Present) KC-135 (1986-Present)
• 355th Fighter Squadron OA-10 (1993-Present); A-10 (1994-Present)

The 168th Air Refueling Wing (168 ARW) of the Alaska Air National Guard is the only Arctic region refueling unit for all of United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and maintains a substantial number of personnel on active duty and civilian technician status in order to meet its daily operational... // The 355th Fighter Squadron is tasked to provide mission ready O/A-10s as well as search and rescue capability, in Alaska and deployed sites worldwide. ...

See also

• United States Pacific Air Forces
• 168th Air Refueling Wing
• 354th Fighter Wing

Emblem of the U.S. Air Forces Pacific The United States Pacific Air Forces (USPACAF or PACAF) is one of nine major U.S. Air Force commands and one of two located outside the continental United States, the other being U.S. Air Forces Europe. ... The 168th Air Refueling Wing (168 ARW) of the Alaska Air National Guard is the only Arctic region refueling unit for all of United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and maintains a substantial number of personnel on active duty and civilian technician status in order to meet its daily operational... // The 354th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Eielson Air Force Base and is assigned to 11th Air Force, headquartered at Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage. ...

Trivia

The 343d FW 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. Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base is a base of the Royal Thai Air Force. ... 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday. ...

The 3d TFS received its A-7D aircraft from the then deployed 353d Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, deployed to Korat from Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach AFB, 1985 Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was a United States Air Force facility in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. ... Official language(s) English Capital Charleston(1670-1789) Columbia(1790-present) Largest city Columbia Largest metro area Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Area  Ranked 40th  - Total 34,726 sq mi (82,965 km²)  - Width 200 miles (320 km)  - Length 260 miles (420 km)  - % water 6  - Latitude 32°430N to 35...

References

• Airport Master Record (FAA Form 5010), also available as a printable form (PDF)
• Eielson Air Force Base (official web site)
• This article incorporates text from http://www.eielson.af.mil/documents/Working%20Heritage%20Pamphlet%201.pdf, a public domain work of the United States Government.

Portable Document Format (PDF), sometimes mistaken for Printable Document Format, is an open file format created by Adobe Systems in 1993 and is now being prepared for submission as an ISO standard[1]. It is used for representing two-dimensional documents in a device independent and resolution independent fixed-layout... The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... A work of the United States Government is, as defined by United States copyright law, a work prepared by an officer or employee of the United States Government as part of that persons official duties. ...

External links

• BRAC 2005: Closings, Realignments to Reshape Infrastructure
• 168th Air Refueling Wing (official site)
• "A Tale of Two Airplanes" by Ltc. Kingdon R. Hawes
• Eielson AFB's Birch Lake Recreation Area Information (located offbase)
• Eielson AFB Bear Lake FamCamp Information (located onbase)
• Resources for this airport:
  • AirNav airport information for PAEI
  • ASN Accident history for EIL
  • FlightAware airport information and live flight tracker
  • NOAA/NWS latest weather observations
  • SkyVector aeronautical chart for EIL
  • FAA Airport Diagram (PDF)