EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Military leaders, state and municipal representatives, industry executives, and academic partners gathered for the 2026 Alaska Defense Forum in Fairbanks, Alaska, Aug. 24–26, 2026.
The Alaska Defense Forum is an annual conference dedicated to building and sustaining partnerships between military installations and local communities. Because of its strategic location, Alaska plays a pivotal role in homeland defense and national security operations across the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.
“We already have a strong partnership with the community and the state,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Johnston, 354th Fighter Wing commander. “The ADF is a great place to ensure everyone is on the same