Both the driving and ferry options might be considered vacations in themselves and could be one of the highlights of your career. Because there are several unique ways to travel to Alaska, contact the transportation management office before making travel plans. The TMO can explain each mode of travel and its specific monetary entitlement to you. The local TMO office is encouraged to contact the Eielson TMO office for information on the most current official policies and regulations concerning travel to Alaska. Then you can decide how to get to Eielson.

The Alaska Highway
www.alaska-highway.org
If you've ever dreamed of driving the Alaska Highway, sometimes known as the ALCAN, get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Traveling from the Lower 48 through Canada, into the Yukon Territory and finally into Alaska is nothing less than spectacular. The trip takes you through some of the remotest, wildest expanses left in North America—snow-covered mountain ranges of majestic peaks and glacial streams, countless crystal-clear, fish-filled lakes, and forests filled with wildlife and big game. It's truly nature at its finest. You are also likely to experience good old-fashioned hospitality along the way from some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet. Driving the Alaska Highway is easy. Unlike many bases in the United States, the directions to get here are fairly simple. Once you reach the start of the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, just point your vehicle north—1,500 miles later you'll reach the main gate! There are several major routes leading to Dawson Creek, including roads from Seattle, Wash.; Great Falls, Mont. and the eastern United States via Canada. Once you reach Dawson Creek, let The Milepost (http://www.themilepost.com) be your guide.

It's a great travel guide available in most bookstores and roadside businesses. This book is an excellent reference and contains the largest, most inclusive map of Alaska. The book lists scenic attractions, where to spot wildlife, mileage between towns, and the locations of all restaurants, hotels and gas stations along the highway. Given the remoteness of the area, knowing this information is critical to both your enjoyment and safety—even more so in the winter when most businesses close and traffic on the road noticeably declines.

Preparing for the Drive
Most people who decide to drive the Alaska Highway choose to do so during the late spring through early fall. Although the entire road is completely paved, several hundred miles each year must be refurbished to keep it in good condition. Expect to drive on temporary gravel detours—often running 20-50 miles at a stretch—during the summer road construction season. Unfortunately, the gravel on these detours can, and too often does, damage windshields, headlights, radiators, tires and gas tanks. Many people find it prudent to install protective equipment beforehand, such as plastic headlight covers, grill/radiator deflectors, and some type of hard covering over the gas tank. Be sure to carry a spare tire.

Winter Travel
PCS travelers are authorized to drive the Alaska Highway year-round, including winter months (mid-October to mid-April). Be aware that when the summer tourist season ends, many facilities along the highway close for the year, including gas stations. The Milepost indicates which facilities will still be open during the winter. Winterize your vehicle prior to the trip. A block heater, oil pan heater, transmission pan heater, and a battery pad or battery blanket are the standard items. Studded snow tires should be considered, and tire chains should be carried for winter trips. Finally, be sure to carry appropriate cold-weather emergency equipment, including appropriate clothing, extra blankets or sleeping bags, a small folding shovel, safety flares, flashlight, matches, food, signaling device and a general first aid kit.

Driving though Canada
It's important to remember Canada has unique import and export laws and regulations. Be aware while crossing into Canada and while traveling through the entire Canadian region, you must comply with several Canadian firearm regulations and restrictions. For the most up-to-date information and required forms go online to http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm. Pets require a current health certificate (i.e., it must be less than 30 days old).

Also, be sure to carry a birth certificate and government issued ID for each individual. For more information about driving the Alaska Highway, read the SITES (Standard Installation Topic Exchange Service) listing for Eielson either online at www.dmdc.osd.mil/sites/index.html or at your Family Support Center.

Driving with Family Members
Military members with dependents are authorized to drive two vehicles and ship another at government expense. Single members are authorized to drive one vehicle and ship another at government expense. Special rules apply if you will be utilizing the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, check with the TMO. During the drive, you'll collect per diem and travel pay. Travel pay: mileage 15 cents per mile for the member or principle driver, 2 cents per mile for each dependent not to exceed 20 cents per vehicle. For example: 20 cents maximum for a member plus three or more family members in one vehicle. Currently, a military member's per diem pay is: $99 per day for each authorized travel day; $74.25 for family members 12 or older; and $49.50 for family members 11 and younger. You can also drive and collect travel pay to Seattle, ship your vehicle from there and then fly to Fairbanks using a government travel request. Whether you drive all the way, or part of the way and then use the ferry system, your mode of travel must be authorized on your PCS orders. Keep a good record of the dates and times associated with your trip to Alaska, especially when you change modes of transportation and cross the Canadian border. You will need this information when you file your travel voucher.

ALASKA
Marine Highway System
http://www.alaska.gov/ferry
Another often-used route to Eielson is the Alaska Marine Highway. The marine highway offers the advantages of a break from driving, combined with breathtaking scenery along Alaska's inland waterways. Alaska operates nine ferries, one of which sails for a four-night, five-day trip from Bellingham, Wash., (north of Seattle) to Alaska. Several more of the ships operate in southeastern Alaska and can be boarded at Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Any of the Prince Rupert ships or the Seattle ship can provide vehicle and passenger accommodations all the way to Haines, Alaska. From Haines, it's about 600 miles to Eielson's main gate. If you prefer to see a little bit of Canada before catching the ferry, travel west on Yellowhead Highway 16 through Prince George to Prince Rupert. Travelers can board the ferry there. Tourist season is in full swing during the summer, so reservations must be made as early as possible.

Reservations can be made as early as December for the following summer. The Alaska Marine Highway System is the only ferry system authorized for PCS travel to and from Alaska. There are various publications available concerning rates, schedules and reservations. The Milepost, mentioned earlier, contains a complete ferry schedule for the summer travel season. If you are taking a pet on the ferry, a current health certificate is needed or the pet will not be allowed on the ferry. Call your local traffic management office, and, if you need further assistance, call the Eielson TMO at (907) 377-1772. For more information about the marine highway call 1-800- 642-0066, or surf to http://www.alaska.gov/ferry. If you travel via the Alaska Marine Highway System, you will be paid normal mileage and per diem for driving to and from each ferry port. You can get a government transportation request for the passenger and berth fee. The member must pay the deck fee in cash for any vehicle (use of a government travel card is recommended), but an advance by finance may be made prior to your departure. Under some circumstances, members can ship two vehicles. Check with your local TMO for details. Whether you drive all the way or drive part of the way and then use the ferry system, it must be authorized in your orders.

Flying
Of course, the quickest and easiest mode of travel is flying. You can fly the entire way or drive your privately owned vehicle to Seattle for shipping and then fly to Fairbanks. All travel from Seattle to Fairbanks must be government-procured transportation. Your local TMO will make the arrangements. If you fly the entire way, TMO can provide you with a government ticket or you can purchase your ticket from your base to Seattle. From Seattle to Fairbanks, a government ticket must be issued since it is considered transoceanic travel and cannot be personally procured. Be sure to save the airline tickets you purchase or are issued; they will be required for reimbursement. The Armed Services YMCA sponsors a military courtesy lounge for passengers departing and arriving Fairbanks International Airport Hours of operation are from noon to 11 p.m. local time. The lounge, located under the stairwell next to the baggage claim area, provides a comfortable waiting area for military members of all services and their families. Volunteers staff the lounge during heavy air traffic periods, providing traveler assistance and welcoming newcomers to the Fairbanks area. To contact the ASYMCA lounge call (907) 455-0236 or go online to http://www.asymca.org/Locations.aspx?PID=28&mid=6

Shipping Your Vehicle
www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/services/details/shipinfo.html
Information on your vehicle shipping entitlement should be obtained from your local TMO well in advance of your departure date. They will direct you to the nearest port where you can ship your vehicle, or provide information on an alternate port if needed. Cars shipped from Seattle take two to three weeks to arrive in Fairbanks. Shipping a vehicle from the East Coast to Fairbanks can take two months. Living at Eielson without a vehicle can be difficult--ship your vehicle early. It's important you stress to your TMO staff and the staff at the vehicle processing center that you want your vehicle delivered all the way inland to Fairbanks. Not all TMO staffs are aware of this option. If you fail to specifically request this, your vehicle could easily be left at the port in Anchorage, 360 miles south of Fairbanks. Finally, if your vehicle is going to arrive in Alaska between October and March, make sure you have it winterized before shipping. See the Eielson SITES listing for details at http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/ sites/index.html. People shipping a vehicle can track that vehicle by surfing to https://www.whereismypov.com/.