Eielson Air Force Base in the wilds of Alaska is home to one of just two USAF aggressor squadrons. Kedar Karmarkar ventured to Fairbanks to see what goes on for the 18th Aggressor Squadron during its main event: Red Flag – Alaska.
Dubbed the ‘Last Frontier’, Alaska is as well known for its untouched natural beauty as it is for its severe cold weather conditions. In the midst of the wilderness and just 500 miles (800km) from the international border with Russia lies one of the USAF’s most important air bases. Eielson is soon to become the home of a brand new wing of F-35As as a period of expansion takes hold. The decision is no accident, with vast range complexes on the doorstep, this is also the location of one of two USAF aggressor squadrons of F-16s.