Eielson AFB

Fairbanks, Alaska, Eielson Air Force Base (IATA: EIL, ICAO: PAEI,FAALID: EIL) is a United States Air Force (USAF) base located approximately 26 miles (42 km) southeast ofFairbanks, Alaska, and just southeast of Moose Creek, Alaska.It was established in 1943 as Mile 26 Satellite Field and redesignated Eielson Air Force Base on 13 January 1948. It has been a Superfund site since 1989. Eielson AFB was named in honor of polar pilot. Carl Ben Eielson.

In July 1960, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) stationed the 4157th Combat Support Group (later Strategic Wing) at Eielson. The 6th Strategic Wing (6 SW) replaced the 4157 SW on 25 March 1967, relocating from Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico after its closure.

The 6th SW flew RC-135 strategic reconnaissance missions with an assigned squadron, and, with KC-0135 Stratotankers deployed to Eielson from SAC, Air Force Reserve Command(AFRC), and the Air National Guard (ANG), conducted Alaska Tanker Task Force (ATTF) missions to support reconnaissance and numerous exercises for the USAF and U.S. Navy.

The 6th SW remained at Eielson AFB until 1992.