Does anyone have any useful information relevant to a PCS to Fort Richardson, Alaska?

SGT Ronnie Warford — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 12:44:46 -0400

My orders changed and instead of wainwright I got Richardson. I'm headed to 59th signal battalion. I was just trying to get some info on the unit and post. Also if anyone has any connections to great realtors in the area it would be much appreciated. Extremely excited to go just focusing on getting housing as soon as we get there or earlier if need be. I have 2 small children and 2 dogs as well.

Response by SGT Ronnie Warford made Jul 7 at 2016 12:45 PM

SGT Ronnie Warford — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 12:45:23 -0400

TIA !!!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 12:47 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 12:47:19 -0400

59th I am sorry. Jack white prudential and live in eagle river. Only 15 minus drive

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 12:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 12:49:51 -0400

You should tag the unit. And why are you tagging "Officers"?
You can search RP members of the unit here:
https://www.rallypoint.com/universe

RallyPoint - The Professional Military Network

Response by SSG Steven Dowell made Jul 7 at 2016 1:07 PM

SSG Steven Dowell — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:07:08 -0400

Combatives gym is the best gym hands down. And houses in Palmer are a little far of a drive, but I had many friends that said it was well worth it and a nice area.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 1:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:10:36 -0400

Just be happy that you got Richardson. Much better than Wainwright, but it still does not mean it will not change once you get up there. Happened all the time were a service member would arrive at Richardson and then they would be shipped out to Wainwright a month later. Either way get ready for your CIF issue of like 3 duffels full of cold weather gear.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 1:21 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:21:46 -0400

You're better off like everyone said. The gyms on base are top notch. Between the Combatives Gym and Buckner Gym they have anything you could ever want.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 1:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:24:17 -0400

Glad you got JBER instead of Wanewright. Having grown up in Alaska, I would suggest looking for houses in Eagle River. Not far from post and much more quiet and safer than Anchorage. Parts of Anchorage can get sketchy very fast (and from what I hear now, some parts of Eagle River too). Just be sure to have eyes on the location before committing to a home. It's somewhat easy to judge the area on its appearance. Get a good fishing pole and learn how to build a dip net :) Enjoy the Last Frontier!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 7 at 2016 1:42 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:42:17 -0400

You need to impress upon your kids that Moose ARE NOT CUTE. More people die in ALasaka each year from moose than do from bears. They may be herbivores, but they're herbivores that approach a ton, are very fast, and are as mean as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Kids see Bullwinkle and think they're cute. They are not. You need to have a discussion with them about it, because moose are everywhere, even in town.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 3:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 15:35:21 -0400

you're the luckiest guy on earth. jber is a whole lot better then wainwright. your cdr ltc chastain is a straight shooter. better schools in palmer and more house for your money.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 7 at 2016 4:19 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 16:19:57 -0400

Useful information, long underwear...multiple pairs. Layers is the secret.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 7:16 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 19:16:20 -0400

Awesome place to be stationed at- Stay away from sketchy Mountain View area. On post housing are good (controlled by Air Force) if that is one of your options. A lot of fishing and hunting to do- awesome recreational areas if your into the outdoors.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 7:49 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 19:49:41 -0400

Also if you are not an outdoor person you will hate it. Snowboard/ski in the winter and go hike and camp in the summer with (22 hours of daylight) being in 59th you will not being going anywhere. When I was there my first summer was in Afgan, 2nd summer Australia and finally last summer I brought my son up from Texas to spend the summer and had a blast.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 8 at 2016 1:06 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 01:06:55 -0400

IF YOU ARE A HUNTER....Do not fudge arrival dates on your Alaskan hunting License. The Alaska Dept of Natural Resources will crucify you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 1:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 13:01:35 -0400

I lived in Wasilla, about 45 minutes away. If you choose to live off post, you can stand to put a lot of money away. The housing on post is pretty nice, they're in the process of upgrading all the housing developments now. If you're interested in getting a place, I can give you the number of the guy who helped me get my house. Know that everything you will need is in BLDG 600. EVERYTHING! except CIF, that's across post...lol... I just left there in November, and even after I spent almost 8 years there, I'm already trying to get back. Greatest duty station EVER.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2016 10:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 10:47:25 -0400

I am one.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2016 10:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 10:48:16 -0400

I also use to be in 307th which falls under 59th.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 11:11 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 23:11:48 -0400

Did you get here yet? And, did you get a realtor? Mine was pretty good. He's Jesse Knight. Let me know if you want his info. (I am Air Force but that shouldn't matter).

Response by SP5 Tom Bush made Dec 3 at 2022 2:16 PM

SP5 Tom Bush — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 14:16:56 -0500

I was there in 1968-69 so I'm not going to be much help as I know it has likely changed a lot. I think you'll enjoy it and it's further south of the artic circle than Wainwright...bring warm clothes for the family and maybe install a heater for under the hood of your vehicle. In Jan '68, the wind chill temp got as low as -80 degrees.