USAG Alaska, Wainwright

Our Mission

U.S. Army Garrison Alaska provides world class support, sustainment and protection to enable unmatched Arctic Dominance and a Resilient Community.

Fort Wainwright was first established in 1939 as United States Air Force Base Ladd Field, a cold weather station to test aircraft under arctic conditions. In 1961, it was transferred to the Army and redesignated Fort Wainwright in honor of World War II General Jonathan M. Wainwright. From 1963 to 1972, it was home to the 171st Infantry Brigade, mechanized until 1969, then light. During that time, the 172nd Infantry Brigade was at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. From 1986 to 1994, Fort Wainwright was the home of the 6th Infantry Division (Light), including serving as the division's headquarters from 1990 to 1994. From 1998 to 2006, it was home to the 172nd Infantry Brigade, which was reorganized in 2003 as the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), part of the U.S. Army's transition program to include six SBCTs. In 2006, the 172nd was re-flagged as the 1st brigade of the 25th Infantry Division. In 2006, 4/123 Aviation Battalion was deactivated and reflagged as the Task Force 49 Aviation Brigade. In 2009, Task Force 49th Aviation Brigade was reflagged as the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade. The 16th CAB provides logistical air support for U.S. Army Alaska. Fort Wainwright is also home to Bassett Army Community Hospital (BACH), 9th Army Band, 65th Explosive Ordnance Disposal (65EOD), 507th Signal Company (Network Enterprise Center-FWA), and the Northern Warfare Training Center (NWTC). In June 2022, U.S. Army Alaska reflagged to the 11th Airborne Division susequently making the former 1-25 and 4-25 1st Infantry Brigade and 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division, respectively. For more information, go to the Fort Wainwright homepage.

Population: Serving approximately

• 6700 Soldiers
• 10,200 Family Members
• 2,300 Civilians and Contractors
• 7,800 Retirees and Veterans

Tenant Units and Supported Commands:

11th Airborne Division

1-11 Infantry Brigade Combat Team

USARAK Aviation Task Force

Medical Department Activity – Alaska and Bassett Army Community Hospital

Dental Activity (DENTAC)

Veterinary Command (VETCOM)

Northern Warfare Training Center (NWTC)

Cold Regions Test Center (CRTC)

402th Army Field Support Battalion

Network Enterprise Center - FWA

3rd Air Support Operations Squadron (USAF)

Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL)

U.S. Army Reserve

BLM Alaska Fire Service

Arctic Support Command

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska Population 2021. Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska's estimated population is approximately 100,000 with a slight increase rate from the previous year, according to the most recent United States census data.

Fort Wainwright has approximately 6,700 soldiers stationed at Fort Wainwright, and 10,250 Family Members reside with those Soldiers on post or in the surrounding community. There are 2300 Civilians and 600 Contractors working on Fort Wainwright and the installation continues to grow. 

Fort Wainwright is located adjacent to Fairbanks in the interior of Alaska. Fairbanks, Alaska is ranked in the top 100 growing cities in the United States. Fort Wainwright is located in the North Star Borough. A borough in Alaska is equivalent to a county in the lower 48 states. Fairbanks, the second largest city in Alaska, is located 365 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska. You'll find that the cost of housing and other living expenses in the Fairbanks area is higher than in the lower 48 states. The weather in Fairbanks has the largest swing in the world. It can reach 90+ degrees in the summer and possibly as cold as -65 degrees in the winter. Soldiers and their families assigned to Fort Wainwright will be able to enjoy breathtaking scenery, abundant hunting, fishing, camping, regal mountains, diverse wildlife and the friendly independent people who will be their neighbors. The base operator's phone number is 907-353-1110 or DSN 317-353-1110.

Traveling by Airplane to Fairbanks

Unaccompanied, Enlisted Army Soldiers flying into Fairbanks may utilize a shuttle for transportation to Fort Wainwright. Please look for the uniformed Service Member or you can call Replacement Cadre at 907-353-4311 to arrange for transportation.

The Armed Forces YMCA Military Courtesy Lounge is located near the baggage claims area of the Fairbanks International Airport. This lounge is for military use only and is only available when volunteers are available. They provide snacks, coffee, and a quiet place to rest while you wait at the airport.

Taxi Service

You may request ground transportation to billeting for you and/or your family. However, you should be prepared to take a taxi from the airport to the Fort Wainwright Welcome Center, Building #3401, to sign in and then you and your family may go to Northern Lights Lodging. You may also choose to make arrangements with your sponsor in advance. Taxi fare is approximately $30.00 to get from the airport to the Welcome Center, but can vary depending on the level of security. Keep in mind taxi service may only be available as far as the main gate. From there you should contact Military Personnel Division and someone will pick you up and provide transportation to the Welcome center. The Armed Services YMCA operates a Military Courtesy Lounge located near the baggage claim area of the airport that you may utilize while you are waiting to be picked up.

Traveling by Ferry

If you are considering taking the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS)(Ferry), contact your local Transportation Office for details. The Ferry boards in Bellingham, Washington and departs in Haines, Alaska. Haines, Alaska to Fort Wainwright is still an additional 661 miles. You will have to travel from Alaska into Canada and back into Alaska, so you'll need your orders, photo ID, and birth certificates for your children. Passports will be required as of 1 June, 2008 for travel through Canada.  Military Personnel Division at your losing installation is required to provide you with passport information.

Traveling through Canada/ALCAN

If you are traveling the Alaska/Canadian (ALCAN) Highway, you will be awed by the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way. This can be a wonderful adventure for a military family, but there are a few things to be aware of to make the trip more enjoyable. Make sure your PCS orders state that you are authorized to travel the ALCAN and Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) if you are going to be using both. If you deviate from your travel plan, you will need to have your orders amended. Even if you have your orders amended, you still may not receive travel pay to reimburse all your travel expenses.

What to do when you arrive at the Installation Gate

Upon arrival at the Fort Wainwright gate, proceed to the Visitor Center located to the right before entering the Fort Wainwright gate. You will need a copy of your orders, your military ID card, driver's license, current vehicle registration and proof of insurance to acquire a Fort Wainwright vehicle pass. You will need to request a Fort Wainwright map and ask for directions to the Fort Wainwright Welcome Center, Building 3401, Santiago Avenue where you must sign in with Military Personnel Division. If you have any questions, you may call the Welcome Center at 907-353-4311.

Shipping your POV

If you plan on shipping a vehicle to Fort Wainwright/Fairbanks, Alaska between October and April or plan on shipping the vehicle earlier with the intentions of the vehicle arriving between October and April, the vehicle must have anti-freeze protection to -60F. The vehicle should also have a strong battery. If you would like more information on this, please contact the Fort Wainwright Relocation office at 907-353-7908.

If you're driving to Alaska, plan ahead for gas stops, lodging or camping and rest stops. There can be many miles between these stops, but careful planning can greatly reduce the risk of being stranded. Be aware that roads may be rough due to frost heaves. There are areas where dirt roads and highway maintenance will slow your travel and the possibility of gravel hitting, chipping or breaking your windshield is high. Don't follow other vehicles too closely. Be prepared for most minor vehicle repairs such as flat tires or broken belts. Emergency gear in your vehicle can help you to avoid dangerous situations if you break down. Weather in some areas can change drastically in a very short time, even during the summer months. Make sure you have appropriate clothing and supplies.

907-353-1110 or DSN 317-353-1110