Introduction

Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska! Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) traces its beginnings to 1943, when an airfield was built to support an Army airfield named after Major Arthur K Ladd near Fort Wainwright. During the Cold War, the base hosted heavy bomber wings and fighter wings among other composite squadrons. Today, the base is home to the 354th Fighter Wing of the 11th Air Force and part of the Pacific Air Forces. Today Eielson AFB covers more than 63,195 acres southeast of Fairbanks and boasts the second longest runway in America! The base hosts a grand total of 10,756 personnel of which 1,797 are active duty, 3,881 civilian employees, hundreds of Reserve and National Guard members, and family members. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Eielson Air Force Base to help aid you in your transition to your new home. 1. Where Is Eielson Air Force Base? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Base 4. Entering Eielson Air Force Base and Amenities

• Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Eielson Air Force Base Visitor Center
• Eielson Air Force Base DEERS Office
• Eielson Air Force Base Gate Hours
• Eielson Air Force Base Commissary
• Eielson Air Force Base BX
• Eielson Air Force Base Barber Shops
• Eielson Air Force Base Post Office
• Eielson Air Force Base Finance Office
• Eielson Air Force Base Legal Office
• Eielson Air Force Base Library
• Eielson Air Force Base Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Eielson Air Force Base? 6. What Schools are Near Eielson Air Force Base? 7. What’s the Weather Like in Eielson Air Force Base? 8. Things to Do Near Eielson Air Force Base

Where Is Eielson Air Force Base?

The base is located in central Alaska, just outside the town of Fairbanks.

Eielson Air Force Base

2070 Central Ave. Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-3807

Eielson AFB Map

Eielson Air Force Base Directions

The nearest airport is the Fairbanks International Airport which is about 25 miles away from the base. There are no shuttles to the base, but rental cars are available as well as taxis.

Driving Directions to Eielson AFB from Fairbanks International Airport

From Fairbanks International Airport

1. Head South on Airport Way then keep left to take the ramp to S Fairbanks.
2. Merge onto AK-3N/Robert Mitchell Expy
3. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for AK-2 S/Delta Jct/ N Pole and merge onto AK-2 E
4. Proceed 23.7 miles

Eielson AFB Household Goods/Transportation Office

When moving, the Personal Property Processing Office (PPPO) will arrange for the delivery of your household goods. Whether you are doing a Do it yourself (DITY) or government move with a moving company, PPPO will organize all aspects of your move and is where you will submit your claim for reimbursement for the move.

Eielson AFB Traffic Management Office

354 Broadway Ave, Ste 1A Eielson AFB, AK, 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-1771

Eielson AFB PPPO Office Hours

• Monday through Friday

  : 0730-1530

Entering Eielson Air Force Base and Amenities

Guards will conduct a 100% ID check at all gates. All visitors must have a valid military ID or proceed to the visitor control center for a pass. Due to current COVID measures, be sure to show your IDs with the barcodes facing the guard so that they may scan them without touching them. Pass information and entry requirements can be found here.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Upon arrival at Eielson, contact your sponsor. If arriving after duty hours, report in the following duty day. In processing will be conducted through your Commander’s Support Staff and your sponsor should have the CSS information for you. All newcomers MUST attend the Pioneer Start orientation. Family members are also encouraged to attend. Orientations are held the second Wednesday of every month. The orientation will provide you with information about the base, unit, winter survival and safety tips for living in the Arctic, and local area information. To register, call 1 (907) 377-2178.

You will be directed to the appropriate processing section and should bring:

• 10 Copies of your orders
• Medical and dental record
• Military ID and driver's license
• Vehicle registration and title
• Dependent information (marriage certificate if you got married in transit, childrens’ birth certificates, etc.)

Eielson AFB Visitor Center

2070 Central Ave. Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-3807

DEERS Eielson AFB

In order to schedule an appointment with the ID Card or DEERS office, use this link.

Eielson AFB ID Card Section/DEERS

354 Broadway Ave. Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-2276

Eielson AFB DEERS Hours

• Monday through Friday: 0730-1630

Eielson AFB Gate Hours

You must have a valid driver’s license, valid insurance, paper registration, smog check for any vehicle registered outside of California. Motorcycles require a valid motorcycle license and BRC/ARC certification.

• Main Gate

  : Open 24/7

Eielson Commissary

Pick up groceries, dine, and shop in the department store-style exchanges located conveniently on base.

Eielson AFB Commissary

2540 Central Ave Ste 100 Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-2173

Eielson Commissary Hours

• Tuesday

  : 0800-1900

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

  : 1000-1900

• Saturday

  : 0900-1800

• Sunday

  : 1000-1800

• Monday

  : Closed

Eielson BX

Bldg. 3338 Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 753-0232

Eielson AFB Exchange Hours

• Monday through Saturday

  : 1000-1800

• Sunday

  : 1100-1800

Eielson AFB Barber Shop

Barbershop

Bldg. 3338 Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 372-2290

Hours

:

• Monday through Saturday

  : 1000-1800

• Sunday

  : 1200-1700

Eielson AFB Post Office

Get your letters and packages delivered where they need to go properly and on time with the help of the Eielson AFB Post Office.

Eielson AFB Post Office

365 Kodiak St Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 372-6300

Hours

:

• Monday through Friday

  : 1000-1300 & 1400-1600

Eielson AFB Finance

The Finance Office offers financial help to all service members and their families. Please call ahead to make an appointment.

Eielson AFB Personal Financial Management

354 Broadway, Unit 4B Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-2178

Eielson AFB Finance Office Hours

• Monday through Thursday

  : 0700-1700

• Friday

  : 0730-1630

Eielson AFB Legal Office

Active duty, dependents, and retirees are eligible for legal assistance in most areas. For a full list of what services the office can perform and which services on which they can only provide legal advice, check their website here.

Legal Services Office

354 Broadway, Unit 2B Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-4114

Eielson AFB Legal Office Walk In Hours

• Monday & Wednesday

  : 0730 through 1600

• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

  : 0900-1530

Eielson AFB Library

Most military bases and their respective libraries have plenty of online classes and educational opportunities. Stop by and ask about services offered and check out videos and books in the online collections.

Eielson AFB Library

2518 Central Ave, Bldg 3310 Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-3174

Hours

:

• Tuesday through Saturday

  : 1000-1900

Eielson AFB Hotels

Eielson Air Force Base Inn 354 FSS-Goldrush Inn, 540 North St Eielson AFB, AK 99702

Phone

: 1 (907) 377-1844

Hours

: 24/7

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Eielson AFB Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near Eielson Air Force Base?

If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.

Cities Near Eielson Air Force Base

Eielson AFB is located near the town of Fairbanks, Alaska. It is around 25 miles to the base along the Alaska Highway 2.

Best Places to Live Near Eielson Air Force Base

Fairbanks

This city of around 35,000 is the second largest in Alaska and located north of base about 25 miles. Homes start around $139,000 for a two bedroom and rentals start around $825 for a one bedroom unity.

North Pole

This small town is known for its year round Christmas decorations including candy cane streetlights and streets named with Christmas themes like Kris Kringle Drive. The town is 13 miles from base between the base and Fairbanks along Highway 2. Homes start around $259,000 for a three bedroom home while rentals start around$849 for a one bedroom unit. The town is also known as the longtime home of painter Bob Ross.

Moose Creek

This small town just five miles from base has a population of around 540. Homes start around $145,000 for a two bedroom or $680 for a one bedroom rental.

Hot Tip: Look for Eielson AFB homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Eielson AFB Schools

Schools on Eielson AFB are operated by Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and offer a complete program for students covering grades kindergarten through 12th grade. There are approximately 1,015 elementary and 633 secondary school students attending these on-base schools. Bus transportation is provided for any students living more than 1.5 miles from school. Students living off base may request to attend on base schools.

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

520 Fifth Ave Fairfield, AK 99701

Phone

: 1 (907) 452-2000 This school district comprises 18 elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. You can find school and district report cards and accountability summaries here.

Suggested Read

: Eielson AFB Schools: Daycare – High School

Eielson AFB Weather

The summers in Fairbanks are long, comfortable, and mostly cloudy while the winters are very cold, snowy and cloudy. The winter lows can get as low as -39°F and summer highs as high as 83°F. The wettest season is from the end of May to October. Snow is most common between October 15 and April 13. During the month of June, the days will increase in length and by June 20th, daylight lasts for 21 hours, 50 minutes. The shortest day of the year is December 21st, with only 3 hours and 41 minutes of daylight. You’ll want to pack heavy, warm, winter clothes with layers, shells for snow and wind protections. You’ll need four wheel drive and snow tires or chains for your vehicle. Be sure to ask for special anti-freeze and fluids to prevent freezing. You’ll want to invest in blackout curtains for the summer and UV lamps during the winter.

Things to Do Around Eielson AFB

Nearby Attractions

Fairbanks is surrounded by pristine Alaska wilderness and rich indigenous culture. Chena Hot Springs Located 1.5 hours east of Fairbanks, the resort has hotel rooms, a campground, a dining hall, and even a small airfield for sightseeing tours. Activities include the hot springs, visiting sled dogs, and a year-round ice museum. Aurora Borealis If visiting between August 31 and April 21, set your alarm for 1 am to watch the incredible natural phenomenon of the northern lights. Running Reindeer Ranch A family owned ranch that lets you get up close and personal with reindeer! Check out the ranch, see baby calves, and walk with them through a beautiful birch forest. Denali National Park One of the most wild and beautiful parks in the country. You can hike, camp, visit sled dogs kennels, and enjoy the splendor of the Alaska Range.

Suggested Read

: 19 Of the Best Things to Do Around Eielson AFB

Restaurants Near Eielson AFB

Here are three top restaurants located near the base recommended by TripAdvisor.

1. JazzBistro,

Caribbean/Latin

527 4th Ave, Ste B Fairbanks, AK 99701

Phone

: 1 (907) 328-4708 Fine Cuban food and Jazz venue rated #1 top jazz club in Alaska. Enjoy a selection of Spanish wines.

2. The Creperie

,

Cafe/Mediterranean

523 2nd Ave Fairbanks, AK 99701

Phone

: 1 (907) 450-9192 Beautiful stuffed and gourmet crepes and coffee to start your day right! Even if the sun is up all day or barely up at all.

3. Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine, Thai

388 Old Chena Pump Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709

Phone

: 1 (907) 456-2200 Excellent thai cuisine with great service with local seafood. Looking to explore more options? Check out our blog, 24 of the Best Eielson AFB Restaurants. Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Eielson Air Force Base at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Moving and getting settled is always a big job but moving all the way to Alaska is huge! Be sure to make use of the resources on base and lean on your sponsor for help in your transition. This guide should help get you started in your new home so you can focus on taking in the incredible Alaskan wilderness! It’s the chance of a lifetime to see!  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Last Update:

9/9/2021