Fort Wainwright
Fort Wainwright Relocation Information
Photo from Fort Wainwright Facebook
Welcome to Fort Wainwright
Fort Wainwright, “Home of the Arctic Warriors,” houses the United States Army Garrison and the United States Army Alaska (USARAK). Units here include:
- 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team
- 25th Infantry Division (aka, the 1-25th SBCT)
- USARAK Aviation Task Force
- Medical Department Activity-Alaska
All units are prepared to deploy anywhere worldwide to support humanitarian efforts and combat zones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Wainwright
Photo from army.mil
1) Who is Fort Wainwright named for?
Fort Wainwright is named after General Jonathan Wainwright, who first tested aircraft in arctic conditions and later led troops into the Philippines during World War II.
2) What units are stationed at Fort Wainwright?
Units stationed at Fort Wainwright include:
- Arctic Support Command
- USARAK Aviation Task Force
- 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team
- 25th Infantry Division (aka the 1-25th SBCT)
- 1-25th ARB
- 4-25th IBCT
- 1-52D GSAB
- 402nd AFSBN
- DENTAC-AK
- Medical Department Activity-Alaska
3) Is Fairbanks an expensive place to live?
The cost of living in Fairbanks is 33% higher than the national average. However, the largest expenses are housing and utilities. Thankfully, your overseas COLA (cost of living allowance) and BAH should compensate for the increase.
4) What’s the closest city to Fort Wainwright?
With 50,000 residents, Fairbanks is the closest city to Fort Wainwright. While it might not be a major city like Chicago, San Diego, or Dallas, it’s equipped to handle everything you need, like things to do and places to eat,
5) What is the zip code for Fort Wainwright?
The zip code for Fort Wainwright is 99703.
6) What is the BAH for Fort Wainwright?
BAH for Fort Wainwright ranges from $1,992 for E-1 to $2,655 for E-9 with dependents and from $2,268 for O-1 to $3,156 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Base map from home.army.mil
Fort Wainwright is located in Alaska's Interior region adjacent to Fairbanks. The city of North Pole is just north of the post, between Fort Wainwright and Eielson AFB, a short 15- to 20-minute drive from Fort Wainwright's Badger gate.
Fairbanks is home to 50,000 residents and offers nearly everything you might want from a nearby city, not to mention the unbeatable scenery. You’ve undoubtedly heard how beautiful this region of the country is, and the rumors hold true. Mountains set the stage for outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. And the diverse wildlife is sure to keep things interesting for all family members. There’s truly no place like this.
If you’re itching to see more of this gorgeous state, Anchorage is a fantastic destination 6.5 hours south of Fairbanks.
Nearby military installations:
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Arrival Lodging
Photo by IHG Army Hotels
The Holiday Inn Express Northern Lights Inn handles arrival lodging for military families PCSing to Fort Wainwright. Their newly renovated rooms make for a pleasant landing space for your moving family or those just traveling for work or leisure. Lodging is centrally located near the PX, commissary, bowling alley, and welcome center.
Lodging information:
Bldg 3402 Santiago Ave.
Fort Wainwright, Alaska 99703
Contact: (907) 370-0999
Fort Wainwright Housing
Photo by North Haven Communities
North Haven Communities by Lendlease handles on-post housing for families stationed at Fort Wainwright. Aside from the perks of living on post, like proximity to work and base amenities, you’ll find community here. With walking trails and playgrounds throughout the neighborhoods and a Great Room with an indoor playground, fireplace, and complimentary beverages, you’ll find ways to stay connected no matter what the weather brings.
Leasing Office
- Location: 3401 Santiago Avenue, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
- Phone: (888) 347-2985
- Maintenance Line: (907) 290-5214
Community Office
- Location: 4268 Neely Road, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
- Phone: (907) 356-7000
For more information, contact the Fort Wainwright Housing Services Office.
Location:
Bldg 3401, Room 100
Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
Phone: 907-353-1190
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Fort Wainwright Off-Post Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Fort Wainwright - Fort Wainwright Homes
Photo by Bob Osias on Unsplash
Military families stationed at Fort Wainwright may live off-post in Fairbanks or North Pole. Fairbanks offers more things to do in terms of attractions and restaurants, while North Pole provides a quieter place to live. However, neither option puts you far from post or excursions.
Use the BAH Calculator to check out the local Basic Housing Allowance rates.
View homes for sale and houses for rent near Fort Wainwright - Fort Wainwright Homes
Fort Wainwright BAH Info
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Fort Wainwright is near Fairbanks, AK with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Fort Wainwright BAH rates for zip code 99703:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,992
- E-1 without dependents: $1,494
- E-9 with dependents: $2,655
- E-9 without dependents: $2,109
- O-1 with dependents: $2,268
- O-1 without dependents: $1,701
- O-7 with dependents: $3,156
- O-7 without dependents: $2,589
Area Weather & Climate
Northern lights photo by Image Editor on Flickr
Moving to central Alaska, you’ll learn two things:
1. The weather fluctuates greatly. In the summer, days reach almost 90 degrees, countered drastically by -50 degree days in the winter. Suffice it to say, there’s no leaving part of your wardrobe behind, as you’ll need to be prepared.
2. Your days will look a lot different. The midnight sun causes nearly 20-hour days of sunshine during the summer, while you'll have only four hours of daylight during the winter. As you can imagine, these extreme changes can make a difficult adjustment. Just as you’ll learn to embrace light-blocking shades to rest during the long summer months, invest in sunlight lamps to help keep your spirits up during the long winter months. Heavy snowfall is expected October through January; however it’s not uncommon to see flurries until May.
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Fort Wainwright Area Schools
Photo by Hunter Elementary School
Families with school-age children living on or off-post at Fort Wainwright fall under the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.
Elementary Boundary Map
Image by Arcgis
Middle School Boundary Map
Image by Arcgis
High School Boundary Map
Image by Arcgis
For families interested in a private school education for school-age children, find private school ratings at Private School Review. Families pursuing homeschooling should view state regulations at The Great State of Alaska Education & Early Development.
For questions or concerns, contact the School Liaison Officer at the Fort Wainwright School Support Services.
SLO Information:
Neely Road, BLDG 4109
Fort Wainwright, Alaska 99703
Contact: (907) 361-9897
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm
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Support for Military & Families
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
What does life look like for military families stationed at Fort Wainwright? Military family members find a slightly higher unemployment rate than the national average. The largest employers in the Fairbanks area:
- Banner Health System
- Alyeska Pipeline Service
- Tanana Chiefs Conference
- Petro Star
- University of Alaska
The University of Alaska and Wayland Baptist University are nearby for those seeking higher education.
Families can thrive here. You'll find so much to do here with the incredible outdoor landscape and amenities designed to make life even more fun. Not only can you expect to spend days kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, gazing at the Northern Lights, rafting the rapids, and more while you explore the great outdoors, but you’ll find plenty of activities on post as well.
Locations like Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, Birch Hill Ski & Snowboard Center, the Fort Wainwright Library, Chena Bend Clubhouse & Golf Course will keep families busy.
Photo by J G D on Unsplash
Some helpful links:
Things to Do Near Fort Wainwright
Photo by Running Reindeer Ranch Facebook Page
University of Alaska Museum of the North: There’s no better introduction to Alaska than the UAMN. With exhibits showcasing over 2,000 years of art, explore Alaska’s wildlife, people, and breathtaking land.
Running Reindeer Ranch: Family-owned and operated, Running Reindeer Ranch is a magical place to go on a reindeer walk and see these beautiful animals up close and personal.
Fairbanks Northern Lights Tours: Everything you’ve heard about the northern lights is true. Plan a tour for the darkest part of winter when they’re most visible.
Fairbanks Children’s Museum: Watch your kid’s imagination and curiosity come to life at this interactive children’s museum.
Alaska Coffee Roasting Co.: You can’t live in Fairbanks and not head to Alaska Coffee Roasting Co. for a cup of joe. Your taste buds will thank you!
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More Area Info
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Base Address:
1060 Gaffney Road
Fort Wainwright
,
99703-6000