The tales of Alaska are real, they are bold, and they are tall. However, none is taller and truer then the tales of the Alaskan aviator. Many people have come to Alaska seeking their fortunes in gold or furs or lumber or oil. Many have come to seek the adventure of the great outdoors. The aviator of Alaska came for none of the above. They came because that is what he or she did. A breed unto themselves, their actions have painted a portrait of forward thinking men and women who st

The first flight across the Arctic took place in 1925. Noel Wien transported two mining operators who wanted to travel from Fairbanks to Wiseman, an arctic town some 80 miles north of the Arctic Circle (Potter 80). Numerous aviation companies sprouted in Alaska. These companies began to ferry supplies and passengers to the towns and villages of Alaska. Operating primarily form Weeks field in Fairbanks and landing strips in Anchorage, these companies racked up a significant amount of "firsts". Joe Crosson of the Bennett-Rodebough Company made the first commercial flight from Fairbanks to Point Barrow and the first flight over Mt. McKinley's 20,320 foot summit (Mills and Phillips 23). On April 16, 1928 Captains Carl Ben Eielson and an Australian, George H. Wilkins, became the first aviators to successfully fly over the North Pole. Their landing in Spitzbergen, Norway completed a 2,200 mile flight (Mills and Phillips 27). This also marked the first time that the knowledge of arctic aviation was used to specifically design an aircraft. The knowledge of Ben Eielson, which he had gained on his previous flights in Alaska, contributed to the future design of aircraft.

Japan had renounced the Arms Treaty of 1922. This development made all of Alaska vulnerable to invasion. Congress lobbied successfully for Army bases in Alaska and along the Aleutians. Bases and airfields were established at Fairbanks (Ladd Field), Anchorage (Elmendorf and Ft. Richardson), and Juneau (Annette Island Army Post). The Japanese attack that followed two decades later was hardly a surprise, however, the role Alaska was to play came as a real shock to those in Washington who considered Alaska too remote to be of strategic importance.

Tourism began to be a major economic resource for Alaskans. Aircraft allowed the sportsman, fisherman and explorers to reach places yet unexplored. Entirely new businesses began to emerge in and around the aircraft industry. Some of these new businesses were flying schools, charter sightseeing flights, mechanics, parts and services, fuel and oil sales. Anchorage soon became the air cross roads to the orient. International air carriers refueled for international flights over the pole or using the great circle route. In 1960, with the dedication of the Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage became the country's fifth busiest terminal for freight and passenger traffic (Mills 146).

Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell said, "Alaska is the most central place in the world for aircraft, and this is true either of Europe, Asia or North America. I believe in the future. He who holds Alaska will hold the world, and I think it is the most strategic place in the world." This was to hold true throughout the war and into the 21st century.

Alaskan aviation has contributed significantly to the lives of Alaskans. Many communities send and receive mail, receive groceries, provide emergency services, and maintain contact with the outside world solely through the use of aircraft and the pilots who fly them. Alaskans have a unique relationship with the aircraft. Airplanes have enabled Alaskans to commute through their environment and conduct business in almost normal fashion. Alaska has benefited greatly through the use of aircraft and Alaskan aviators have contributed significantly to the flying techniques used around the world.

To engage an entrenched enemy requires bombers and Alaska was in very short supply. The defense of Alaska required that supplies and aircraft be flown from factories in California to Alaska. With green pilots and flying over rough, unforgiving terrain at high speeds, many of these valuable aircraft failed to materialize in Alaska. Whole flights of Aircraft would disappear on their way. Two squadrons of B-26 Mauraders left California and one month later the first aircraft arrived in Fairbanks. When the last aircraft arrived, 45 days after first leaving California, a total o

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Approximate Word count = 3196
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)