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In comparison to the nation, Eielson Air Force Base is located in a high cost area. In 2023, the average price of a single-family house in the Fairbanks North Star Borough was $340,555 or an estimated mortgage of $1692 monthly.
The median adjusted rent for 2 bedroom apartments in the Fairbanks North Star Borough was $1542 as of march 2024.
In January the average cost of residential heating fuel was $4.53 per gallon. Self-service unleaded gasoline was $3.59.
Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau also ranked toward the top for the prices of “miscellaneous goods and services,” ranking 17th, eighth, and fourth respectively, at about 20 percent above the survey average.
With the housing shortages in this area, home prices have since sky rocketed due to the lack of available housing options.
The link below will provide more information on additional cost of living trends in Alaska.
The Cost of Living (alaska.gov)
Eielson AFB is located in the region referred to as 'Interior Alaska', where temperatures can range from 95 degrees in the summer to -60 degrees in extreme winter conditions.
If you are driving to Eielson in the winter, your vehicle should be winterized prior to leaving your current location. You should also carry an emergency kit in each vehicle. The minimum requirements for vehicle winterization include a quality engine block heater, anti-freeze mixed to provide protection to -60 degrees, and up to 5W30 (standard) or 10W30 (synthetic) motor oil. Ensure all belts and hoses are in good condition and consider carrying spares if you are driving to Alaska. When you arrive, it is imperative you have your vehicle completely winterized. Costs for winterization vary with the vehicle and services are available at the Car Care Center on base or at any garage off base.
A winter vehicle emergency kit should include, at a minimum: blankets, high energy source food (candy), water, flares, a candle, matches, signaling device (fluorescent orange), first aid kit and winter clothing (gloves, hat, coat, boots) for all passengers.
Drive with caution and watch for icy roads and animals. Caribou, moose and bear are often seen on the roadside or even on the road. These animals often dart across the highway as you approach them.
Please note:
If you or any member of your party traveling into Canada via automobile has had a DUI/DWI, that individual may not be allowed /admitted into Canada.
Registration of Privately Owned Weapons
For additional information, please contact Security Forces 907-377-5130.
The 354th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Eielson Air Force Base and is assigned to 11th Air Force, headquartered at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska. Eleventh Air Force falls under Pacific Air Forces, which is headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam, Hawaii. The mission of the 354th FW is to provide PACAF combat-ready fifth-generation airpower, advanced training for integration with joint forces, allies and partners, and a strategic Arctic basing option to dominate the high-end fight. The wing operates and maintains PACAF's largest air-to-ground bombing range complex and conducts PACAF's premier large force exercise, Red Flag - Alaska. Eielson supports the operations of the 168th Air Refueling Group, Alaska Air National Guard, which operates KC-135 aircraft in support of PACAF operations. The wing hosts the USAF Arctic Survival School (AETC), the Alaska ANG Search and Recovery Det 1, which operates HH-60 helicopters, and Det 460 of the AF Technical Applications Center. Eielson supports the 13th Space Warning Squadron at Clear Air Force Station.
Originally, dubbed "Mile 26," in 1946, the area was renamed Eielson AFB after famed arctic aviation pioneer Carl Ben Eielson. The 354th Fighter Wing has a long and distinguished history. Since its inception in 1942, Eielson flying units have seen action in World War II, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. From the skies over Germany to the sands of Iraq, the 354th continues to perform with distinction. For a thorough history of Eielson AFB, visit the Eielson AFB homepage.
Eielson AFB is comprised of well over 9,000 personnel; to include 2,981 Active Duty, 2,628 family members, 1,682 civilians & contractors, 77 tenant units, and 2,391 retirees.
According to the Alaska Department of Labor, the estimated population of the Fairbanks North Star Borough for 2023, to include Fairbanks and North Pole, was 95,972.
Eielson AFB is located 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks in the interior of Alaska, and about 110 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The total population for the Fairbanks North Star Borough, which includes all the communities within the Borough (including Fort Wainwright and Eielson AFB) reached 96,747 for the 2022 calendar year. The city of North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas lives year round, is located just 8 miles from Eielson. North Pole is a friendly community with a basic selection of services, such as grocery, dining, community service organizations, parks, churches and events throughout the year. Eielson AFB boasts hiking, fishing, canoeing, dog mushing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and some of the best Northern Lights shows in the world. Eielson AFB is located within a high cost of living area. Service members and DoD Civilians on base are provided COLA.
The base operator phone number is 907-377-1110 / DSN 317-377-1110.
Eielson is serviced by the Fairbanks International Airport: https://dot.alaska.gov/faiiap/index.shtml. There are no shuttles or buses to Eielson. Rental cars are available at the airport but will not be reimbursed by the government. When leaving the airport, proceed down Airport way to the Richardson Highway and bear right. You will see Eielson AFB on your left in approximately 25 miles.
Be sure to let your sponsor know if you need transportation from the airport.
The physical address for Fairbanks International Airport is 6450 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709 and their phone numbers are 907-474-2500 and 907-474-2513. You can call for updated safety/health information.
Eielson AFB is 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks, AK on Alaska Highway 2, known as the Richardson Highway. If you are driving the Alaskan Highway, follow the signs north, toward Fairbanks. You will pass through the small communities of Tok and Delta Junction before you arrive. Alaska has a very limited road system, so if you stay on Alaska Highway 2, you can’t miss Eielson AFB. If you are planning to drive the Alaska-Canadian Highway, you will pass through some very remote areas. You may experience long stretches during your travels with limited or no cell service. We strongly suggest picking up a copy of “The Milepost”, an annually updated trip-planner and Alaskan travel guide. This book includes mile by mile logs, detailed maps of all northern highways and information on all communities and locations along the way.
Please be sure to have all appropriate paperwork in order. Check in advance on the Passport requirements for you and your family as well as for any updated safety/health protocols.
Helpful websites to assist with document clarification and preparation prior to travelling:
Many members choose to take the ferry rather than drive the Alaska-Canadian (ALCAN) Highway. Members typically board the ferry in Bellingham, Washington and disembark in Haines, Alaska. Depending on the time of year, disembarking in Whittier is possible. Whitter is closer to Anchorage. From Anchorage, follow the highway up to Eielson AFB. Members should be aware that they may still have to cross through Canada if taking this route and have all appropriate paperwork available.
Please note the following policies regarding use of the Alaska Marine Highway System for official PCS Travel:
For any questions please contact our SATO at 907-377-1771.
Review the following link for more information: https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/.
Eielson AFB does not have public on-base transportation services at this time. At present, the Fairbanks public transit system does not provide services to Eielson AFB.