Fort Richardson (Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Richardson |
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| Anchorage, Alaska | |
The main part of the post as viewed from Arctic Valley in the Chugach Mountains in 2009.
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| Coordinates | 61°15′15″N 149°41′43″W / 61.2541°N 149.6952°W |
| Type | Army post |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1940–1941 |
| In use | 1941– |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | HQ 11th Airborne Division 2nd IBCT(A), 11th Airborne Division |
Fort Richardson is a military base for the United States Army in Alaska. It is located right next to the city of Anchorage. In 2010, it joined with a nearby Air Force base called Elmendorf Air Force Base. Together, they became known as Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
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Exploring Fort Richardson's Past
Fort Richardson is named after a military explorer, Brig. Gen. Wilds P. Richardson. He worked in Alaska many times between 1897 and 1917. Richardson was from Texas and graduated from West Point in 1884.
How Fort Richardson Got Its Name
General Richardson led soldiers along the Yukon River. He also helped build military posts like Fort Egbert and Fort William H. Seward. From 1905 to 1917, he was in charge of the War Department's Alaska Road Commission. He helped survey and build many early railroads, roads, and bridges. These projects helped Alaska grow and develop. The Valdez-Fairbanks Trail was surveyed under his guidance in 1904. It was later named the Richardson Highway in his honor.
Fort Richardson During World War II
During World War II, Fort Richardson was briefly used as a place to hold some families. These were families of Japanese Americans and German Americans living in Alaska. They were held here after the Attack on Pearl Harbor before being moved to other camps.
Moving and Growing the Base
The original Fort Richardson was built between 1940 and 1941. It was on the land where Elmendorf Air Force Base is now. In 1947, it became the main office for the United States Army, Alaska (USARAK). The base then moved to its current spot about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Anchorage in 1950. At that time, the base had housing for 500 soldiers. It also had a rifle range, warehouses, a hospital, and officer living quarters.
Important Army Units at Fort Richardson
From 1986 to 1994, Fort Richardson was the main base for the 6th Infantry Division (Light). For over ten years, a major fighting unit at Fort Richardson was Task Force 1–501. This was the only airborne infantry group in the Pacific area. This group went to Afghanistan from October 2003 to August 2004.
Most of the USARAK fighting forces were at Fort Wainwright, 300 miles (483 km) north. Fort Richardson was mainly a support base. However, in 2005, the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team 25th Infantry Division was formed. This unit became the main quick-response force for the Pacific area. This made Fort Richardson an important base for this new combat team.
Life and Training at Fort Richardson
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Army grew. Task Force 1-501 became a larger airborne brigade. It was renamed the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. This unit is now the main quick-response force for the Pacific area. It includes two infantry groups, an engineer group, a cavalry group, a small artillery group, and a support group.
What You'll Find on Base
Fort Richardson has many facilities for soldiers and their families. These include a small shop, childcare, and places for fun activities. The base has modern dental and medical clinics. Major medical services are provided by the hospital at Elmendorf. The Joint Military Mall, also at Elmendorf, offers shopping and grocery services.
The largest military group at the base is the Alaska National Guard. They have facilities at Camp Carroll and Camp Denali. Fort Richardson also hosts other non-military activities. These include a United States National Cemetery and a state-owned fish hatchery.
Size and Training Areas
The fort covers 73,014 acres (29,548 hectares). This huge area includes offices, family homes, and a heliport. It also has a drop zone for airborne operations and firing ranges. There are other training areas too. Nearby mountains allow soldiers to learn mountain and glacier warfare and rescue skills.
The Buckner Fieldhouse
The Buckner Fieldhouse is a large indoor arena at Fort Richardson. It can seat 3,500 people. From 1978 to 1982, it hosted the Great Alaska Shootout basketball tournament. It was later replaced by the Sullivan Arena in 1983. The Buckner Fieldhouse also hosted other events before larger facilities were built.
Recent Changes to Army Units
By June 2022, USARAK, the main unit at Fort Richardson, was renamed the 11th Airborne Division. The 1st Stryker Brigade and 4th Infantry Brigade were also changed to the 1st Infantry Brigade and 2nd Infantry Brigade (Airborne).
Joining Forces: Elmendorf and Fort Richardson
In the summer of 2010, Elmendorf AFB and Fort Richardson officially joined together. This happened because of decisions made by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). The combined base is now called Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Most of the civilian employees at Fort Richardson became Air Force employees as a result of this change.
Images for kids
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Soldiers snowshoeing at Fort Richardson.
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Alaska Soldiers celebrate the Army's 234th birthday.
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