Elmendorf Air Force Base

Elmendorf Air Force Base, designated PAED and carrying IATA code EDF, is a major United States Air Force installation located adjacent to Anchorage, Alaska. It serves as the home of the 3rd Wing, the Air Force's largest combat wing, operating F-22 Raptors and other aircraft in support of Pacific and Arctic defense missions. In 2010, Elmendorf AFB was merged with the adjacent U.S. Army post Fort Richardson to form Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), consolidating military operations under a unified command. The base plays a critical strategic role due to Alaska's geographic position between North America, Russia, and Asia. While primarily a military installation, the airfield has historically supported limited civilian and cargo operations given its proximity to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Its location makes it significant for air defense identification zone (ADIZ) enforcement and Arctic operations.