Yes, it's true that Eielson Air Force Base is located in North Pole, Alaska, but please try to resist making jokes about reindeer and radar. The fact is that Alaska is one of the most strategic spots in the world for an air base. From Alaska, Eielson crews can reach Europe faster than forces based on the East Coast, and can reach the Far East before crews coming from California.

Eielson was constructed in 1944 and expanded in 1946, with the coming of the Cold War. The Strategic Air Command needed a base in Alaska with a long runway to accommodate intercontinental bombers. Eielson's runway was lengthened to 14,500 feet and the 97th Bomber Group took up residence.

Over the years, Eielson has welcomed B-29s, B-36s and B-47s. The B-36 "Peacekeeper" bombers were the largest ever used in the Air Force. In order to accomodate the two that took residence, Eielson built a huge hangar, now used for Cope Thunder exercises.

Cope Thunder
The Cope Thunder exercises are realistic, 10-day air combat training events. The purpose of these exercises is to give pilots experience in simulated combat situations. Approximately 700 people and 60 aircraft take part in the exercises at Eielson four times a year. They are divided into offensive and defensive teams, and each unit is put through specific simulations related to their training objectives, generally running two combat missions each day. The project is overseen by Eielson's 353rd Combat Training Squadron.