The Daily Alaska empire., 1947-05-12
BIG DEFENSE pLAN5GIvEN
 0UTBYARMY
Strategic Base to be Con- strutfed $ Miles
 from Fairbanks

WASHINGTON, May 12.-lR- The Army is further bolstering its northern defenses with the con- struction of an $8,125,000 heavy bomber base in Alaska just two hours flight from the Boring Strait boundary between the U. S. and Russia.
 A War Department announcement of the new base came only a few days after disclosure that a simi- lar heavy bomber field is being installed in Maine-on the oppo- site flank of the northern de- fense line.
 The Alaskan base will be locat- ed at Mile 26-26 miles southeast of Fairbanks-where an alternate landing field was built during the war for use of fighter aircraft caught in bad weather. New fac- ilities will be for the Strategic Air Command, which operates B. 29s and eventually will be equip ped with new type heavy bombers The Mile 26 base is. link in q network of Alaskan defenses now being improved.
 Move Against Aggression
 The defense concept includes the tn cory of immediate retalia- tory action against any aggressive move directed at the United States. The very heavy bomber bases are being built in accordance with this theory.
 Here is what the Army Engineer Corps says will be built at Mile 26 a new runway; a hangar sim liar to the one ordered for another very heavy Bomber base at Rapid City, s. D., having single span of $40 feet tthe B-36 has a wing span of 230 feet) barracks for 400 men; base headquarters build ing and various workshops and warehouses; spur railroad track from Ladd Field. at Fairbanks.
 The announcement said that the facilities are provided ex- pressly for the Strategic Air Com mand units stationed in Alaska in the interest of national defense"
 Intcrccption Of Attack
 Presumably Mile 26 was chosen for several operational and strate- gic reasons. It is in reasonably level country, making it possible for heavily loaded bombers to take off without the necessity of rapid rate of climb to avoid moun- tains. As Alaskan weather goes, 1t is in good weather belt with a minimum of fog and storm. It is situated far enough inland to allow for fighter interception of an attack directed at the field from the sea.
 An improvement program also is underway for other military areas in Alaska.
 Other Improvements
 Improvements at the Elmendorf Field and Fort Richardson include new runways and other changes in landing areas and additional bar racks and other buildings. For these projects, about 13 million dol lars has been used out of funds for the current fiscal year and about ,500,000 authorized for expendi- ture from the next appropriation At Nome, minor construction is reported underway. with an out lay of less than slc0000 for the repair of buildings and general re- mobilization of the Army installa- ton there
 The Army said that the Mile 26 project will be planned with the view of using the maximum amount of materials available To- cally"
 The engineers also have issued another directive for construction of motor pool facilities, laundry and dry cleaning plant, central heating and power plant. ware house and dock and other utilities at Whittier Port, Alaska. An ex- penditure of s2.840,845 is authorized for this project.
 Both the Mile 26 and Port Whit tier projects will be under the supervision of the district engin- ger at Anchorage.