Allen Army Airfield (BIG)

Allen Army Airfield (PABI (BIG)), located in Delta Junction, Fort Greely, Alaska, is a crucial dual-purpose facility serving both military and civilian aviation needs.

Type of Facility and Operations: Allen Army Airfield is primarily a military installation owned by the United States Army, with an agreement for joint use by military and civilian aircraft. It functions as a vital logistics hub for supporting U.S. Army operations in the Arctic region, including cold climate training, equipment testing, and as a transport hub for Fort Greely. The airfield provides operational and sustainment support for the Ground Based Midcourse Defense System. Its operations encompass Base Flight Operations, a Control Tower/Ground Approach Control Facility, USAF Weather services, Airport Safety, Airspace Management, a Refuel Facility, and a Crash/Fire/Rescue station. The airport also offers training opportunities for large Department of Defense aircraft outside the continental United States.

Notable Features or History: Established in 1942 as Big Delta Army Airfield during World War II, it was a significant point on the Northwest Staging Route. Its original purpose was to support the Lend-Lease program, facilitating the ferrying of thousands of American military aircraft to the Soviet Union via the Alaska-Siberia (ALSIB) air bridge. Following World War II, the airfield became an integral part of Fort Greely's strategic military complex. In 1962, it was renamed Allen Army Airfield in honor of Lieutenant Colonel James Allen, who died in a plane crash. The airfield features three asphalt paved runways, with the longest measuring 9,000 by 150 feet (2,743 x 46 m). Two of these runways are lighted and capable of accommodating heavy cargo aircraft such as the C-17 year-round, and even the C-5A between December and April. It is specifically equipped to operate in harsh climatic conditions.

Current Status: Allen Army Airfield remains an active military facility, continuing to perform important defense functions. All operations require prior permission (PPR) 24 hours in advance, and no earlier than five days before arrival. For civilian users, parking is available with a Civilian Aircraft Landing Permit (CALP) on the west side of the hangar. The airfield's operating hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to midnight, and it is closed on weekends and federal holidays.