The Aleutian Air
Campaign was as much a fight against severe weather conditions as
it was a test of long-range flying skills against an enemy fiercely
defending their homeland. Aircraft were four times more likely to
be lost to weather than in combat. A brief history of the Eleventh
Air Force is also presented, from its establishment before the war
to its present-day duty in Alaska.
Merrill Field
(site of the memorial) celebrated its 75th year of operation in
2005. About 900 general aviation aircraft are based here, nearly 1
of every ten planes in Alaska. It’s the 104th busiest airport of
any size in the nation, averaging over 500 flight operations daily.
Military aircraft are often seen in the airspace to the north over
Elmendorf AFB, current headquarters of the Eleventh AF.
Using information gleaned from the memorial’s panels, determine the
coordinates of the (temporary due to muggling of ammocan) decon
container located in nearby Sitka Park at
N61 12.ABC W149 51.0D0,
where....
Major E.S. Davis of the Army Air Corps arrived at Merrill Field in
19AB
C is the number of Royal Canadian Air Force flyers listed as killed
in action
D is the Fleet Air Wing unit (Navy) memorialized here
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Dogs are banned at the 11th AF Memorial on posted notice of a $300
fine, and must be leashed at Sitka Park per posted municipal
ordinance and to help prevent harassment of wildfowl in the
adjacent wetlands. Parking for the final stage is at N61 12.377
W149 50.747, where the Sitka Park gate is open 10am – 10pm. As
always, at this or any other MOA or State park or trailhead, don’t
leave valuables out in plain sight in your unattended
car!
