Eielson

Eielson is a name associated with several places in Alaska, United States, named in honor of Carl Ben Eielson, an early Alaskan aviator and explorer. The most prominent usages are an active United States Air Force installation and a surrounding community near Fairbanks.

Eielson Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located in central Alaska, approximately 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks and near the city of North Pole. The base was established during World War II and is named after Carl Ben Eielson. It serves as a base for active-duty air operations and supporting units under the U.S. Air Force, contributing to regional defense, training, and mobility missions. The installation includes multiple runways and housing and is a focal point for personnel stationed in interior Alaska.

Eielson, Alaska, is a census-designated place (CDP) that encompasses the base and surrounding residential areas within Fairbanks North Star Borough. The community is tightly connected to the base economy, with services and facilities that support military personnel and their families. The CDP's population and development are influenced by military activity, commuting patterns, and regional planning efforts.

Carl Ben Eielson (1897–1929) was a notable American aviator and explorer from Alaska. He gained prominence in early Arctic and polar aviation and is commemorated by the naming of the base and the surrounding community. Eielson’s legacy reflects Alaska’s history of aviation and exploration, and his name remains linked to military and civilian landmarks in the state.