Husband just informed me that he got orders to Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, what do I need to know.?

Question

I don't know what to expect since I have never been to Alaska...I am in the Army reserves but by the time we leave I will be out, but...want to enlist in the Air Force reserves. How far is the Air Force base from Fairbanks, Alaska, and is there an Air Force Reserve in the area. Also, I juts need to know info, do I really need to sell my Toyota Camry and get an SUV?

Answer 1

Summer temps in the 70s and sometimes 80s. An average winter day will be 0F or -10F. But can be -40F or even -50F. Below about -30F, most people only do what needs to be done and don't go out much.

Summer days are 21 hours of daylight and it never really gets dark in June or July due to the long twilight. About 3 hours in December but 6 hours of usable light.

Fairbanks is a small city and if you get involved in sports or arts or politics or any volunteer activity, you'll quickly meet people and make connections.

The AFB is about 15 miles from town.

I have a Corolla, Prius and a Subaru Outback. We've got the Outback because it is handy to have something to haul our kayaks, canoes, and lumber around on and the wagon holds camping gear. But day to day, a Camry will be just fine. They plow the roads and if you live in town or on base, anything works. If you live off on a dirt road somewhere, it is up to you to keep it plowed and passable. It is kind of nice to stop every 500 miles to put 10 gallons in the Prius while others are dropping $75 every 350 miles in their Expedition or F-350. If you are going to drive up, check out my recent answer to an Army mother about the Alaskan Highway. Short answer: great trip, great scenery, 98% paved, long miles.

Fairbanks is great if you are (or get) into hunting, fishing, boating or hiking. It has extreme weather, for sure, but modern clothes and cars deal with that pretty well.

You can tell where a car in from in Alaska by how many 120-volt plugs stick out of the grill. In Anchorage, they have one for a battery blanket. Here in Kenai, we add an engine block heater. In Fairbanks, they have three plugs including an oil pan or coolant heater as well. Because at -50F, an unplugged car won't start (shopping centers offer plug-ins). Don't worry about your existing car. Any shop could add all three heaters for $200 or so. Or DIY.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

I know that its very cold and its dark for about 8 months of the year. And milk is expensive. Anything else, no idea. Hope that helps :)