Eareckson Air Station

Eareckson Air Station is a military airfield on a remote Alaskan island with a runway that extends 10,000 feet in length. The facility sits on the southern side of the island and serves as a strategic point for aircraft crossing the Pacific Ocean.

The base was built in the 1940s during World War II to support bombing missions against Japanese forces. It played a key role in operations against targets in the region and nearby territories.

The station was named in 1993 after Colonel William O. Eareckson, who directed military operations in the region during World War II. The name honors his service in one of the country's most remote areas.

The facility serves military aircraft and occasional civilian planes crossing the Pacific that need refueling services. Its location on a remote island makes it an important backup landing site for emergencies during long flights.

The station operates an advanced radar system for monitoring ballistic missiles across the Pacific region. The facility also generates all its own power through internal plants and is completely independent from external electricity sources.

Location: Alaska

Official opening: June 1943

Elevation above the sea: 30 m

Operator: United States Air Force

GPS coordinates: 52.71222,174.11361

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:22