Aviation brigade divided between Fort Wainwright, Washington state

FAIRBANKS - The Department of Defense is splitting up the Fort Wainwright-based 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, dividing its personnel between the local Army post and one in Washington state.

The 1,400 soldiers and more than 60 helicopters in the brigade were temporarily stationed at Fort Wainwright in 2005. Since then, the Army has reviewed whether to permanently station the brigade at Fort Wainwright, bring in more troops and equipment, move the brigade, or divide it between more than one installation.

The Department of Defense announced on Wednesday that the headquarters of the brigade will move to Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Wash. That includes the relocation of 10 helicopters and 156 personnel from Fort Wainwright to Washington.

Fort Wainwright will retain assault and medevac capability under its 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion, which has more than 500 personnel and 32 helicopters.

“The Army recognizes Alaska as a strategic location and will continue to maintain a significant aviation presence there,” a Department of Defense statement said. “This stationing increases the invaluable medical evacuation strength in Alaska by three additional aircraft in fiscal 2013.”

Fort Wainwright spokeswoman Connie Storch said on Wednesday that Army Alaska is still working to determine exactly what personnel and equipment will remain in Alaska and what is headed to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Sen. Mark Begich’s office said the decision means a $521 million infrastructure investment at Fort Wainwright will continue to be funded and carried out over the next several years.

Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Aviation brigade divided between Fort Wainwright Washington state