ALASKA
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Anchorage
Discover life at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), a major Army and Air Force installation in Anchorage, Alaska. From Arctic missions and mountain scenery to neighborhood parks and year-round outdoor recreation, the Anchorage area offers military families a distinctive place to call home.
ESTABLISHED IN 1940
Elmendorf Field and Fort Richardson originated during the World War II buildup.
JOINT BASE SINCE 2010
Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson merged into JBER in 2010.
AIR FORCE & ARMY
The base supports Air Force aviation and Army airborne and Arctic missions.
85,000-ACRE INSTALLATION
One of Alaska's largest military installations, with extensive wilderness and training grounds
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
Explore Eagle River, Chugiak, Muldoon, Government Hill, and South Anchorage.
Get to Know the Base
From World War II to Arctic Defense
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson traces its roots to 1940, when construction began on Elmendorf Field near Anchorage as the United States expanded its military presence in Alaska. Named for Army Air Corps pilot Capt. Hugh M. Elmendorf, the airfield supported aircraft operations and logistics during World War II, including the Aleutian Campaign. Fort Richardson, named for Brig. Gen. Wilds P. Richardson, supported Army operations and training in the region.
During the Cold War, Elmendorf became a major center for air defense, with fighter aircraft, radar networks, and command operations protecting North American airspace. Fort Richardson continued preparing soldiers for demanding northern conditions.
In 2010, the two installations combined to form Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Today, JBER supports Air Force aviation, Army airborne operations, homeland defense, and Arctic readiness. Its location near Anchorage also gives military families access to established neighborhoods, mountain trails, winter sports, and the remarkable landscapes of Southcentral Alaska.
ALASKA