Editing Fort Wainwright (section)

==== Cold War ====
In 1945, rivalry developed between the United States and the [[Soviet Union]] resulting in the [[Cold War]]. The proximity of the Soviet Union to Alaska in a post-war long-range bomber age spurred the development of the Arctic front. The Arctic would encompass many activities for the Department of Defense to include use as a forward deployment zone and as a first line of defense in the region. In 1947, due to the National Securities Act, the Air Force was designated as a separate branch from the Army. Ladd Field was renamed '''Ladd Air Force Base''' commanded by the 11th Air Force. During this time [[Eielson Air Force Base|Eielson airfield]] was established to supplement Ladd AFB with a separate B-36 bomber mission.

In the early years of the Cold War, Ladd AFB's missions included; assessing the Soviet presence in the Arctic by strategic reconnaissance; supplying a regional air defense asset; improvement of the practice of polar navigation; and continued cold weather testing of equipment, clothing and human performance. In 1948, the Army sent the [[2nd Infantry Division (United States)|2nd Infantry Division]] to Ladd AFB with a mission of ground defense.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |last1=Price |first1=Kathy |title=Northern Defenders: Cold War Context of Ladd Air Force Base Fairbanks, Alaska 1947-1961 |date=January 2001 |publisher=Center for Ecological Management of Military Lands, Colorado State University}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite web |title=Ladd Air Force Base Cold War Historic District (Cold War, 1947-1961) |url=https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/about/environmental/cultural-resources/historic-buildings/ladd-air-force-base-cold-war-historic-district-cold-war-1947-1961|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404175552/https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/about/environmental/cultural-resources/historic-buildings/ladd-air-force-base-cold-war-historic-district-cold-war-1947-1961|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2022}}</ref>

During the Korean War in 1950 and through to 1957 Ladd AFB saw a rise in tempo and an increase in their logistics operations. The base became the logistical support center for Alaska's defense projects. Research expanded creating an ice station research center to analysis and track polar ice packs; perform geophysics projects and expand communication networks. The 4th Infantry Regiment provided the combat mission man power through 1956.

[[File:B-29 WITH DOG TEAM (USAF).jpg|thumb|[[B-29]] with dog team at Ladd AFB (USAF)]]

By 1957, [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s (ICBMs) and satellites reduced the role for Ladd AFB. In 1960, with two major airbases in close proximity, coupled with economic pressures, the Air Force stopped flying operations at Ladd and reassigned them to [[Eielson Air Force Base|Eielson AFB]] and to [[Elmendorf Air Force Base|Elmendorf AFB]] in Anchorage. The Air Force transferred Ladd to the Army on 1 January 1961, and the installation was renamed '''Fort Wainwright''' after WWII General, [[Jonathan M. Wainwright (general)|Jonathan M. Wainwright]].

In 1963, the [[171st Infantry Brigade (United States)|171st Infantry Brigade]] (mechanized) was activated at Fort Wainwright to defend Eielson AFB. Several elements of the 171st IN (Mech) deployed to [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]] in 1966. In 1969, the 171st Infantry transitioned from mechanized to light infantry and were subsequently inactivated in 1972 from Fort Wainwright. Ladd Field was designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) on 4 February 1985. Ladd Air Force Base was designated as '''Ladd Air Force Base Cold War District''' and was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on the same day. In 1986, Fort Wainwright expanded their mission beyond the Arctic to support world-wide deployments. USARAL was discontinued in 1974. This left the [[172nd Infantry Brigade (United States)|172nd Infantry Brigade]] at [[Fort Richardson (Alaska)|Fort Richardson]] to assume control of the Army in Alaska, reporting directly to FORSCOM at Fort McPherson, Georgia. In 1986, the [[6th Infantry Division (United States)|6th Infantry Division]] (light) was assigned to Fort Richardson and assumed the role of overall Army Command in Alaska from the 172nd Infantry Brigade. The 6th ID provided a rapid-deployment worldwide strike force and participated in worldwide training events.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" />