Located in the heart of Alaska, Fort Wainwright is a United States Army base that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and modern amenities. As a military base, Fort Wainwright provides a range of benefits and services to its residents, from housing and healthcare to education and entertainment. In this article, we will explore the benefits of living on Fort Wainwright, including its stunning natural surroundings, excellent facilities, and strong sense of community.
Introduction to Fort Wainwright
Fort Wainwright is situated in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, approximately 10 miles southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city. The base is home to the United States Army Garrison Alaska and serves as a key training facility for the Army’s Arctic operations. With a population of around 6,000 soldiers, civilians, and family members, Fort Wainwright is a thriving community that offers a unique blend of military and civilian life. The base is named after Jonathan Wainwright, a Medal of Honor recipient and commander of the Philippine Scouts during World War II.
Base Facilities and Amenities
Fort Wainwright offers a range of facilities and amenities to support the daily needs of its residents. These include a commissary and post exchange for shopping, a medical clinic and dental clinic for healthcare, and a fitness center and pool for recreation. The base also features a library, community center, and youth center, providing opportunities for education, socialization, and entertainment. Additionally, Fort Wainwright has a range of military-specific facilities, including a chaplain’s office, finance office, and personnel office.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Commissary | Grocery store with discounted prices for military families |
| Post Exchange | Department store with clothing, electronics, and household goods |
| Medical Clinic | Primary care facility with medical and dental services |
| Fitness Center | State-of-the-art gym with cardio equipment, free weights, and group fitness classes |
| Pool | Indoor swimming pool with lap lanes and recreational swimming areas |
Housing and Transportation
Fort Wainwright offers a range of housing options to suit different needs and preferences. These include on-base housing, with a variety of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, as well as off-base housing in the surrounding communities of Fairbanks and North Pole. The base also provides transportation services, including a shuttle bus and taxi service, to help residents get around the base and surrounding areas. For those who prefer to drive, Fort Wainwright has a range of parking facilities and vehicle registration services.
Education and Childcare
Fort Wainwright is committed to supporting the educational and childcare needs of its residents. The base is served by the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, which operates several schools in the area, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Additionally, the base offers a range of childcare services, including child development centers and family childcare homes, to support working parents. For those pursuing higher education, Fort Wainwright has a University of Alaska Fairbanks campus on base, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- Elementary schools: Ladd Elementary, Nordale Elementary, and University Park Elementary
- Middle schools: Tanana Middle School and Ryan Middle School
- High schools: Lathrop High School and West Valley High School
- Child development centers: Fort Wainwright Child Development Center and Bassett Army Community Hospital Child Development Center
What are the benefits of living on Fort Wainwright?
+The benefits of living on Fort Wainwright include access to modern facilities and amenities, a strong sense of community, and opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Residents also enjoy a range of services and support, including healthcare, education, and childcare.
What types of housing are available on Fort Wainwright?
+Fort Wainwright offers a range of housing options, including on-base housing with two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, as well as off-base housing in the surrounding communities of Fairbanks and North Pole.
What educational opportunities are available on Fort Wainwright?
+Fort Wainwright is served by the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, with several schools in the area, including elementary, middle, and high schools. The base also has a University of Alaska Fairbanks campus on base, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
In conclusion, Fort Wainwright is a unique and desirable place to live, with its stunning natural surroundings, excellent facilities, and strong sense of community. Whether you’re a soldier, civilian, or family member, the base offers a range of benefits and services to support your daily needs and enhance your quality of life. From outdoor recreation and education to healthcare and childcare, Fort Wainwright has something to offer everyone.
