The 354th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Eielson Air Force Base, located 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. The 354th Fighter Wing mission is "To prepare aviation forces for combat, deploy Airmen in support of global operations and enable the staging of forces." To accomplish that mission, the wing implements flying operations, mission support, maintenance and medical care functions and is host to 10 tenant units. The 354th Fighter Wing has a long and distinguished history. Since its inception in 1942, Eielson flying units have seen action in World War II, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. From the skies over Germany to the sands of Iraq, the 354th continues to perform with distinction.