Adak Island – A Historic Blast From The Past
By: Courtney Dowd-Stanley
Alaska’s Adak Island is an isolated destination with rich history, rugged terrain, and scenic landscapes. Its location in the Aleutian Islands marks the dividing line between the Bering Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Adak is an island, the largest town on the island goes by the same name though it was formerly Adak Station, and is the southernmost city in Alaska. Its remote locality proved to be ideal for the United States military during both World War II and the Cold War, causing the area to grow rapidly in a very short amount of time. However, it wasn’t long before the wars ended and the military bases closed down. What remains of Adak has left many onlookers to believe that Adak is nothing more than a mere ghost town.
Interestingly enough, Adak was the westernmost military installation in the entire nation for a short while. At the time, it allowed American military forces to mount a successful offensive operation against the Japanese-held Aleutian Islands of Kiska and Attu during WWII. The Naval Air Facility Adak was established in 1942, which played a very significant role during the Cold War. A submarine surveillance center was established and brought in both US Navy and Coast Guard members by the masses.
At Adak Station’s peak, the military community housed over 6,000 Navy and Coast Guard members along with their families. Buildings popped up all over the place—from residential structures and schools to popular chain restaurants and local watering holes.
During the peak of this military community, Adak had a college campus and a major hospital. Entertainment in the area included a wide variety of options including a movie theater, roller skating rink, swimming pool, squash court, saunas, ski lodge, bowling alleys, skeet range, auto hobby shop, photo lab, and racquetball and tennis courts.
The military base opted to downsize years later in 1994, and it was at this time that both family housing units and public schools closed.
The Naval Air Facility Adak was closed officially in 1997 before reopening as the Adak Airport. Although the facility became listed as a National Historic Landmark for its role in WWII, most of the remnants of the past have since been demolished or lie in shambled ruins. Many buildings have since closed or become abandoned, but there are still some structures that remain open to serve the small local population that resides on Adak today.
Today the population of Adak is just over 300 permanent residents, but the rich military history isn’t gone. In fact, relics from the past can be found just about everywhere you look.
As you explore Adak today, you’ll see row upon row of abandoned duplexes that once housed thousands of military members along with their beloved families.
Many signs that used to be pleasantly displayed with information about the historic value of local buildings are now covered in rust.
It is such a rare and unique sight to observe historical manholes used during the WWII era.
Quonset huts and military bunkers can be found scattered throughout Adak, abandoned and slowly becoming reclaimed by nature.
You’ll find signage that indicates particular areas where enlisted military members practiced drills with live ammunition.
The abandoned playground equipment on Adak is a stark reminder of the many military families that used to call Adak home.
Even the abandoned police barracks structure still stands strong on Adak today.
You’ll also find an abandoned Pizza Hut in the middle of town.
Along with the other popular chain restaurant… McDonald’s!
With every twist and turn comes a new surprise. Tucked away from the downtown Adak area, you can even find remnants of an abandoned bar on the island’s mountainside.
Alaska’s Adak Island is a place unlike any other in the world. Along with the magnificently diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery, Adak is filled with an immense amount of historic charm. Walking through town is truly like taking a step back in time. Not only will the friendly locals that currently reside on the island make you feel right at home, but the enchanting setting will make you feel as if you’re in the single most unique place on planet earth. Even the town motto is amazing: “Where the winds blow, and friendship grow.”
Explore Adak: Many people visit Alaska’s Adak Island to experience the prolific fisheries, abundant caribou, and breathtaking natural beauty. This remote wonder is a photographer’s paradise and a nirvana for those seeking tranquility in the wilderness. Outdoor recreational activities on Adak include fishing, hunting, backpacking, birding, and wildlife viewing. The prized Adak caribou can exceed weights of 700 pounds, making hunting a prime attraction. You can access this island destination by flying into the Adak Airport.
Looking for more where that came from? Check out Adak Island – Salvaging Items Left Behind. Also, this 1964 Good Friday Earthquake Photo Gallery will show you a glimpse into the destruction of the second largest earthquake in recorded history. Be sure to also check out The Alaska Purchase – A Brief History.
If you are living and loving The Alaska Life – share your adventures with us on our Facebook page HERE, and they might just end up getting featured in one of our next blog posts.
Could a person rent and fix these up or purchase them?
i think it said it was now a National park now, so i would say no.. but you could ask park service or the Gov.. if you find out i would like to know as well….
There are buildings and housing units for sale often. Most belongs to the Aleut Corp, the City, DOT (Airport), and private owners
Some General info at the city web site. http://adak-ak.us
You can do both
My dad was stationed there in the 1940s. I remember him telling me about the barracks he lived in & how cold it was.
My Dad was stationed there as welll in 1946-1947 when it was still the Army Air Corps. I have many photos of Adak.
Patrick I am very curious as to what the item in most of the windows are, and hoping you might know the answer. It’s such a curious place, and far from what we have here in Australia
I don’t know but we were stationed at Keflavik Iceland air naval station in the 70s and men in the barracks had sheet metal boxes in windows to keep food and drinks in.
Yes, I was stationed in Adak in 1977 and 78. The boxes in windows were for that purpose.
My Dad lived in Quonset huts with a potbelly stove. I only have one inside picture of his bunk.
It’s so you can open the windows and let the fresh air in without letting any snow or rain in.
Would you share your photos my grandpa was stationed there and had to build and defend the atrsttip.
My Dad got stationed there as a heavy equipment operator in the Army Air Corps. When he got there, there was no need for his MOS so he got sent to the Armory to become an Armorer. Many stories of Adak. Not sure how to post pictures.
My father was a Captain while stationed there during WW2.
My mother and I were there with him. I had just turned two when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor at which point all dependents had to leave. We lived with my grandmother in San Francisco for the remainder of the war.
I’d LOVE to see the base where we lived and the locations here my father faught.
Maybe you meant Dutch Harbor? Adak wasnt built when the war broke out. There is an excellent book called soldiers of the mist and another called the thousand mile war. Both are great at telling the story and have amazing photos of the time.
My father was stationed on Adak the last two years of the war. The weather conditions were terrible. You could be outside with the sky clear, go into your quansett hut and turn around and immediately go back outside and the fog had rolled in and you could not even see your hand. He was a crew chief in the Air Corps and often was asked to drive the fuel truck. Weather was so bad you could not see the roadbed and crept along following the signs along the road. That is where he had his first M&Ms. The men in his hut had rescued a kitten. He said the kitten saved their sanity.
My dad was too in the early 1940’s In the Air Force protecting us from Russia!!
Russia is are ally in WW11. We were sending airplanes to Russia using Adak as a pit stop. My dad was in the Army Air Core there.
My Dad was stationed there as welll in 1942-1945 with the 7th Infantry. I have many photos of Adak and Kiska. He didn’t talk about it except to say how cold it was and the nights lasted for ever… I served in the Navy from 1967 – 2001 and there is no question in my mind they “Were The Greatest Generation” …
John…were you a graduate of the Skags Island CTO school in 67?
Regards,
Bill Walker
When in the 40’s? My Dad, Mom and I were there 1948-51. Navy. Dad was the Supply Officer of the base. I was 2+ years old during that time.
Bob Donald
bob@donaldlawyer.com
My daddy was there in 1945 and he also talked about cold it was.
He said there was a cat that would sleep on his feet at night.
My daddy was there in 1945 and he also talked about cold it was.
He said there was a cat that would sleep on his feet at night.
He was in the Army. He past away March of 2019.
This would be an ideal place for refugees, maybe. If they are sincere about wanting to be in the US, let them make this place live again. Or maybe homeless people could use this place. Why not?
My husband and I taught in the newly finished school on ADAK in 1965. We had one and a half days of sunshine and the Base Commander declared a Holiday for
the entire
They called it ‘Sunshine Liberty’ ! I worked out there in the 80’s, they still practiced it !
I worked on the new house in 1987-88 –500 new homes and just a few years later the base was closed.
Was a student in Adak in 67 thru 69. Dad was David Ellis.
Yes, they were called Sun Days
There was NO pizza hut in the island. So I’m not sure what building you thought was a Pizza Hut.
The “Pizza Hut” was the branch hospital
It is always confused with being a Pizza Hut, but in fact it was the Base Day Care Center and now is the Store on Island. It’s to bad Know one takes pictures of the nice part of town!
There was not a Pizza Huton the island. The building with the red top was the child delelopment center.
There was a pizza shop on Bering Hill near the theater.
I was stationed on Adak August 1963- August 1964, I still don’t care about going back there, I had my feel of it.
I was there in aug.63 to sept 64 unloaded supply ships.. L & E…( labor & equipment )I wonder what happened to my RED catarmeran boat I built…I sailed it a couple of times in the bay..small artical written in the adak paper..had to hang it up on the wall at L&E building… I didnt know I couldnt leave the island..lol.. good to hear from all of you that share the memories…like to hear from you guys from yr 63 to 64…latter an god bless..jimmy
I was there in aug.63 to sept 64 unloaded supply ships.. L & E…( labor & equipment )I wonder what happened to my RED catarmeran boat I built…I sailed it a couple of times in the bay..small artical written in the adak paper..had to hang it up on the wall at L&E building… I didnt know I couldnt leave the island..lol.. good to hear from all of you that share the memories…like to hear from you guys from yr 63 to 64…latter an god bless..jimmy ..
I was supposed to go there in April, 1964. I did not go and didn’t re-enlist. Got out and went on the Fire Department and spent 37 years and retired to Florida.
I would like to see it one more time, the national forest, the cemetery, and the hanger.
My husband was stationed here in 1956 in the SeaBees. He loved it…
My husband was stationed in Kodak in the SeaBees. I believe he was there in 1955 – 56.
I was stationed there in 1978 and 79 went there straight out of boot camp I worked at fire sta. 1 I lived on bering hill I have memories from this place I will never forget,being there when I was in the navy I couldn’t wait til it was my time to leave,but looking back now I wish I had spent much more time there,,, eagles were every where,such a beautiful place its sad to see what it has become
I was stationed there in 78/79 right out of boot camp worked at the fire dept,back then I couldn’t wait to leave but looking back I wish I had spent more time there great place and great memories,,,,,,
It was the day care center… the only pizza place was up by the old tundra tavern… Fred and Dee owned it along with the McDonald’s… PWD 89-92
I was there from 89-92, remember the “tnt” (Tundra Tavern) very well
The Tavern was my 2nd home…the manager gave me free drinks often.
I was stationed on Adak with the seabees MCB5 in 1971. We built the em club. Enjoyed every minute. There was a lot of things to do besides work. You could get fresh king crab right off the crabboats. Climbed to the top of Mt. Moffet. Fishing for trout in Lake Andrew. Halibut fishing. Or go on a hike looking for remains of WW II. We left just before the housing project started.
David, Were you at Commsta? My friend Dennis and I found a sick eagle at the Navy dump (they believe he ate rat poison). We wrapped him in a coat and carried him back. The Seabees took him and rehabbed him. When I left the island in late Nov. ’72 he was still sitting on a perch in the Seabee compound, unable to fly due to loss of equilibrium. Often wondered what happened to him?
He’s still alive. I saw him there 3 months ago.
I lived there in 76 and 77 we lived catty corner from fire station in duplex I turned 16 there got my drivers license in a 65 Chevy pickup 3 speed on the colum in the snow will never forget my memories of their. We threw snow balls from captains hill at security as they drove by they would climb the hill to catch us we would bomb them some more then slide down the hill on the back side on inter tubes . Would love to see it again.
I worked with your Dad Gwen it was my 1st duty station as a Seabee, I went to visit him in Oklahoma years later.
Frank Barrett
Spent my entire 18th year there in 1958, right out of boot camp & BU A School. Not much of a social life, but i loved it. No caribou, they were brought in right after I shipped out to MCB 11 on Guam. Did a lot of hiking, explored WWII remains, climbed Mt. Moffet, took a lot of pictures, caught Dolly Varden trout, salmon, etc. Exhilarating weather, loved the storms, lots of sun but I confess I was quite pale after my year there. great steak & beer Dept. parties in the old WWII Submarine Base bldgs at Finger Bay, and the flowers on the tundra were beautiful when in bloom. Most exciting recreation was late night rat killing forays at the dump. If I could have filmed those, would have been a guaranteed winner on “funniest videos”. Machine gun drill & overnight “island defense”maneuvers were fun too, but not always comfortable due to weather. I’m an old guy, don’t do facebook or other fancy electronic stuff. Probably will never come back to this page to see replies, if you have question/comment for me, my snail mail is PO Box 1142, Coos Bay, OR 97420.
I was stationed there in 1984. I won the 84 masters bowling tournament there I was in nmcb 133. Had a great time. Go Roos
George,
My family was there in ~1985-~1987. I was a kid but my brother was born there.
I was stationed on adak from 1981-1983 worked as a front desk clerk at the officers barracks had great friends, did a lot of hiking fishing and snow tubing at the National forest!
I was there as a child from 1967 to 1969. My dad was stationed at the navy base that used to be there. I loved exploring with my brother and other neighborhood kids.
My daddy was stationed there in 1966-1968, I think. I went to kindergarten there. My brother was in 7th or 8th grade. I remember cold and snow and Mt. Moffett.
My Dad was stationed there 67-68, and I attended kindergarten. My mother sometimes worked at the Exchange. My sister was in 1st grade and brother 3rd grade.
Was there to resupply during a “nor-pac” run in 1987, was a cool place, was gorgeous pulling in topside on a submarine, everyone from warm states was miserable, us that came from states with snow absolutely loved it! Remember finding out Eagles love French fries and are considered “pests” up there. Like all things times change, I am grateful I got to go there while it was still a military base.
My sisters and I may have been some of those friends. Was there 67 to 70.
My brother was stationed on Adak from 1977 until 1979. He had just gotten married when he was transferred there. His wife, also in the Navy, was sent to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii!
He would never really tell us what he did there, but the family suspected it has something to do with spying on the Russians. I’ve always wanted to go there. Don’t think my husband would pay the $1200 round-trip fare though. Maybe someday when I win the lottery😉.
Was your brother’s name Young? And his wife Cindy?
Yes your so.right.stationed there in 1978 to 1979.beautiful place.would like to go back.someday
Was stationed there in 1979-1980 at the red shedp/w transportation, I was a young kid then and had a ball then, wish I could afford to go back and see it but it,s a shame that everything was left to rust and rot away. what a waste.
I was an EO and did snow removal in 79 and ran the skating rink. Had a great time
You might of known my dad EO Jack wiswell he work at public works
I was there as a equipment operator but hauled fuel from August 69 till August 70 . Left there and went MCB 3 to Port Hueneme and then Vietnam.
This is Jim Morris
I was there Sept 69 to Sept 70
I was at the com sta
I was a storekeeper
I was known as the com shaw artest
I got it all
I remember a C. B Named Smith the bus driver and alot more
In 1943 I was 16 yr old in merchant Marines on Tanker Frank G Drumm, with destination to Adak via Hawaii. The ship leaked too much after about 50 miles at sea, and had to go back to dry dock. Never got to Adak but is on my bucket list if I live that long.
I was stationed there from December ’92 to July ’94. Went from a command of over 5000 when I arrived, to a command of 500 when I left. Military life wasn’t for me, but there was such a powerful sense of community there, it left a major impression on me. I was surprised at how much there was to do in such a small area. Even after the draw down was complete, people still worked maintain that feeling of being in a great neighborhood. I would love to go back someday just to take in the nostalgia. Get off the plane in the middle of December, slip on the ice and fall on my ass like i did the day I arrived. Pretend I’m on sunshine liberty for a week, maybe do a polar bear swim, and explore the remains of the buildings I helped maintain (my division ran the bachelor’s quarters), and then just look around to see what was left of the last of my teen years.
I lived there when I was a kid , my dad was an e.o.d. tech. He loved it there fishing hunting , exploring . I remember my mom screaming after going in the garage , my dad went hunting caribou with the neighbor and hung the body’s from the rafters. We shared a freezer filled with salmon , flounder , caribou , and king crab. I’ve always wanted to go back and explore.
I was in the Navy VP-50 between 81 and 84 Went there several times beautiful but cold! Snow, snow , best king crab legs and halibut . Great memories!!
Bill says, I was there from June 1948 to jUNE 1949 WITH THE AiR Force.My Sqd.was the 5020 Th.Maint. & Supply . We lived in the old huts .
A few things first, the building that looked like a Pizza Hut was the child development center, we always teased that it should have been a pizza Hut and some even rumored that it was supposed to have been a failed attempt at a Pizza Hut but it never was, the bar that they are recalling I believe to be the VFW I could be wrong on that one I was only there once. I lived on Adak from 89-93 I wouldn’t have missed that experience for anything, we hiked ,hunted and fished, not to mention we made lifetime friends. To see the buildings in such a shambles makes me so sad, but I get it not too many live there anymore but the newer houses were so nice and they are crumbling now.
We were stationed on Adak from mid-89 to mid-91. I think that “bar” in the middle of nowhere was indeed the VFW club! Many fabulous memories from our time there; our children were very young and only remember through the stories and photos.
I was on Adam from 1963-64. 369 days!!!! I will never forget it. I was a com tech up on the mtn. US Navy. When we flew in the engines were leaking oil like a gusher, there were snow shoes, skins, and other types of outdoor gear. I thought what have I got into!! I was never so glad to see Ankorage after I got off that island. I remember the Adak national forest. There was 3 or 4 trees and none were over 6 or 7 inches!! Being on the mtn. We didn’t get to go to town very often. I do remember seeing some of the old fishing stations but they were all abandoned. I was lucky enough to be stationed in Hawaii after that. It would be interesting to go back and see what is left.
Was stationed at NavFac from December 80 to December 82. You know the secret place, loved my time on the rock. Great Memories.
Was stationed at the NAVFAC in 67. Great place to learn the business. After Adak, Coos Head was a piece of cake. I’d love to visit someday, maybe after i win the lottery! Great crew, great friends , great memories!
Adak.
Ah yes, I remember it well.
Spent a lifetime there in ’63.
Hated it but never forgot it.
Somewhat like an old girlfriend that I met on a summer vacation.
I was on adak
in 63-64 when it hit. I left in April after the earthquake in March
Roy grathler I was there with the marines 89 91 we deactivated the barracks while I was there .I. Would love to hook up with other marines who was there I miss it .rgrathler@ yahoo.com
I was stationed on Adak from October 85-86.
Young Marine first active duty assignment.
Who remembers the Baskin Robbins? And getting the 1st section recall during a movie!
Semper Fi. Did it and didn’t die
Stationed on Adak with the Marine Barracks 81-82. Still have dreams of that place I wish didn’t end. Such a different place to a boy from Florida
I
Was stationed on adak in 82- 83 spent many days hiking out to Shagyak bay finger Bay have about 400 slides and pictures Kanaga volcano greatsitkin volcano an eagle on the berring hill chapel enjoyed hiking and fishing had lots of great times and friends
There in Navy 1965 1966 work in the post office and was the pc for navfac. Played a lot of basketball .
Stationed at NSGA Adak Oct 2,1970 – Oct 2, 1971. Was not a happy sailor to be there but would not trade the experience for anything.
Was there 88 to 90 with the Marines at the NSGA. Adak was a lot better than being on Shemya. We climbed Mt. Moffett, Mt. Adagdak and our C.O. got us a tug boat ride to Sitkin were we got to climb the volcano. A lot of good times. Met a lot of good people there.
I was stationed here in 1990-91, a very cold, windy, lonely place. You felt like you were millions of miles away from the rest of the world. It was definitely an experience I will never forget. Thanks to the Tundra Tavern it made it a little warmer place.
I was stationed here from 1990-91. A very cold, windy, lonely place. You felt like you were a million miles away from the rest of the world. An experience I will never forget! Thanks to the Tundra Tavern, it made it a little bit warmer place.
In 1979, 1981, 1982 & 1990, I worked on various construction projects on the island.
From one out at NSGA past the Dinosaur Cage, to the new school being the last. Close to two years total.
Found memories of a totally awesome place. The outer Aleutians!
Great photos by the way. The one said said “Police” happened to be the Marine Barracks. I worked on that renovation also, in 1979.
I was there with NMCB 74 Det Adam in 89-90. Beautiful place but cold. We hiked up the mountains and up to the lake. Loved the WW2 remnants.
I went there twice a year for 20 years putting on gold shows at the commissary and sold all the souvenirs that Adak carried, lots of fun times.
I was there in 74 with NMCB 74 and completed the hobby shop We then went to Pt Barrow and put us a building there and returned to adak and built some antennas
Yup….I was part of the Police force for base closure from Apr. 1996 – May 1997. Remember every day of it. Such a unique part of U.S. military history. The whole island was a time capsule. Lots of Navy Sea Bees, Electricians, Machinist Mates, Airport support personnel and government contractors for the closure in late ’97. Maybe a total of under 500 on the rock back then. The log cabins in the tundra were pretty cool to go hike to. Never made it to the summit of Mt. Moffit, although I’d like to. Lots of fond memories for me and one year of my youth on Adak. Love to go back!
Was stationed at NSGA Adak 1980 – 1984 and again 1986 – 1988 PW Seabees loved it!
I was stationed there April 87 to July 88 was a bu right out of “A” school. Was assigned to public work builder shop. I still remember the husky bar and the tundra tavern. I did a lot of fishing and site seeing. I spent a lot of my free time at the bowling alley in the rec center. If I remember correctly there were 4 of us from the same “A” school class out of hueneme sent there. It’s a shame that it’s going to ruins. Would like to go back to see it again.
Stationed on Adak, 1986 – 1988. Assigned to the AFRTS Station there.
JO3 Paul Mikec
Found several photos in an old photo album and scanned them into pdf pages.. If you have any of Adak as well that you’d like to share – drop me an email. Would be happy to share the photos I have with you.
pmikec1@gmail.com
My dad was a air traffic control there and security 1986-89. I wonder if u knew him Dale Arnold.
I ran the electric motor rewind shop and also did maintenance on the runway lighting systems as a Seabee electrician. Got there 66 left 67 . Our barracks were on Bering Hill. The rewind shop was in Public Works building by the runways. Hiked every inch of the Island every chance I got. Lost a good friend in a climbing accident. His name was James Dickey from …..I think…..Whittier California. Fell about 100 feet off a cliff while climbing One weekend. He was a really funny guy. We really missed him.
My sisters and I may have been some of those friends. Was there 67 to 70.
I was in Adak between ‘51 and ‘53. While I was there I decided to learn how to walk. Why you ask, ‘ cause I was born there. I remember nothing but tales told long years past. My dad, Capt. Nelson and Lt. Hunt established (planted) the “entering and leaving” Adak Forest in 1953. Sleep tight little island.
While being assigned to VP-46 out of Moffett Field, Calif. we were deployed to Adak and Okinawa. 1966 we went to Adak for our 6 month deployment. I remember salmon fishing like no other place since. Since I was in an aircrew (crew 9) we were able to get off the island flying tactical flights. These were long and gruelling flights and often on a daily basis. I witnesed some of the most remarkable sights I have ever encountered flying out the Aleutian chain. I would not trade this experience for anything.
I was stationed there from June 1974 to June 1975. I was 19 years old. Assigned to the Public Works Department on the Power Line Crew and as a telephone operator. We did not have any fancy restaurants to go to for meals other than the Bering Hill Galley. We only had the bowling alley and Bering Building where all the recreation was. We did a lot of hiking all over the island, endured some white out winter conditions, tremors and earthquakes everyday. And an occasional volcano eruption from Mt Sitkin volcano. Very primitive communications. The only thing we had was, you pick up the phone, dial zero for operator, and the operator connected you to wherever you would call. Today Adak is as fresh on my mind as it was back then. So sad those buildings have to deteriorate over time. Too bad something can’t be done to restore the Bering Barracks for some livable conditions such as a prison or ski resort and such. Oh what memories
Left Yokoda AB Japan March 1957 . Made a emergency stop on Adak with aircraft problems , returning to Turner AFB , Ga. Spent 2 days there before flying on to Alaska. I’ve never seen such an isolated place. Cold and windy.
I lived there in the late 70’s.
I loved it, I was a young girl and my dad worked on the”pipe line:.
I remember the whales coming ashore and getting stuck, and dying.
The military kept the civilians away.
And there was a “ghost ship” that came to port that you were never allowed to take pictures of.. but my dad did.
My dad was Claude Everette Hunt, and my family was escorted off the island and banned from returning because my dad had an affair with anothers wife, the other man came to our hut and made us(mom and 5 kids) get on our knees and was going to shoot us with his shot gun if my mom didn’t tell where my dad was… the military hid us out over night in an old little hut until we could leave the island on the next plane out.
I remember getting milk only when the plane came and then only what each family was allowed.
I remember the 12 tree “National Forest”, the bowling ally at the officers rec. center.
I remember a man named Steve Yeager(?) and his new bride Dorris.
I remember a lady, a neighbor, who helped my younger sister and I, (I think that was who my dad was with actually) make these bottles covered with all our kept treasures, marbles,rings,anything that we wanted pressed into plaster paris.
My mother didn’t let us take them when we left, but then again we each were only allowed one bag each.
I miss Adak, but sure wish it could have been different while we were there.
My Dad was stationed on Kodiak on the Chipola in the early 70’s. My memory of Adak was there were only 20 trees on the whole island.
I was stationed there with the Navy in 68. I ran the bakery for awhile. Nothing commercial there then. Every thing as I remember was run by th ed Navy. I stayed in barracks on Berring Hill, worked the EM club as short order cook, and worked the bakery night shift. Made most all baked goods sold at the commissary. Made millions of donuts. Did enjoy, hocking, fishing loved fresh salmon and King crab right off the boats.
We, meaning single men pretty much lived and stayed on Bering Hill. Great pool and gym with everything needed to stay in shape. I have many fond and some not so fond memories of Adak.
After spending a year there I was off to Viet Nam. Stated in US Navy reserves for another 27 years retired Chief Petty officer. Lots and lots great memories. Thanks to my sister fo eeg finding this and sharing with me.
Great photos, commentary, and comments. A shame to see the totality of abandon, I guess by its current owners, but such is life.
There is minimal life on the island and the article avoids all mention of its activity, ditto what is down below ground.
Was there with Seabees in 1969 and hauled fuel for a whole year
My name is Don Liggitt an I worked at the Red Shed as a Civl. heavy Equiptment mech. 1983-85 , 1989-1990 .Would love to connect with anyone from around that time, Had some great young Sea Bees working with me that I will never forget
I worked there from mid 1990 to late 1991. CM3 McDonald. Do you recall anyone from the Tundra Tavern?
I was the only girl in the CM’s at that time.
Who could forget the Tundra Tavern. That’s where I learned to drink like a real sailor !
Stationed on Adak, 1986 – 1988. Assigned to the AFRTS Station there.
Found several photos in an old photo album and scanned them into pdf pages.. If you have any of Adak as well that you’d like to share – drop me an email. Would be happy to share the photos I have with you.
pmikec1@gmail.com
I agree salt! Was with VP49 in 65. Longest deployment of my life. Misssserable Time.
We opened & operated National Bank of Alaska branch there in 1968, staying until 1972. Loved the terrain, hiking, fishing, boating & many friends we made in Navy, Marines, Coast Guard & Civilian units…my heart is still there..such a beautiful, wild, extraordinary place!
6 months on Adak with VP-17. December 86 to June 87. Was also my last 6 months in VP-17. Returned to NAS Barbers Point in June 87, and was on my way to Pensacola a week later. I worked for DK1 Helen Gewald in disbursing. I wasn’t gonna reenlist. And she talked me into it. A big mistake as DK was over 100% manned. First deployment with VP-17 was the Cubi Point NAS. Huge difference.
Stationed on Adak, 1986 – 1988. Assigned to the AFRTS Station there.
JO3 Paul Mikec
Found several photos in an old photo album and scanned them into pdf pages.. If you have any of Adak as well that you’d like to share – drop me an email. Would be happy to share the photos I have with you.
pmikec1@gmail.com
Should make a minimum security prison there. Or a treatment center for the homeless in Anchorage, SanFrancisco ,and LA
Adak is an extraordinary place, its military history fascinating and as storied as many of the folks here say. In December of 2019 my new book will be out, focusing on Adak Island during WWII with over 200 images – many original photos. It is called “I Fell in Love with an Aleutian Vampire (Illustrated) – The WWII in Adak Commemorative Edition”. So if you love Adak as much as I do, keep a look out for this book on Amazon around Christmas time. It is 500 pages+ of Adak sepia toned, WW2 time capsule wonderment. Thank you all for your service out there! And wait for this special “Illustrated” version because the one out now has no images inside.
My dad was on Adak with the 86th NCB during WWII. I was stationed there in 1975-76 and returned in the 1980s for two weeks reserve duty. One of the best places I was ever stationed. Fishing, hunting, photography, we even had riding stables on base.
I don’t remember ride stables on Adak.
They brought in horses about 1970 or 1971. Not too many maybe 10. I took horsemanship classes with them. Can’t remember where stables were. My name is Virgil Ford and I lived in kuluk housing
vford1f60@hotmail.com
Arrived on Adak in May of 1965. It was snowing. I wrote home to Texas that I didn’t know if it was the first or the last.
Was named Manager of the Armed Forces Radio & TV Station as an E2. Was a great job. Got orders to Port
Hueneme for Combat Training. Became publisher of the “Stinger”, newspaper of MCB11 in Danang in 1966.
Left the Navy in 1967 as a Navy Journalist JO3. These two duty stations have played a major role in my life since. Have made connections with a few friends from Adak, but not a single friend from Vietnam.
First time I’ve come across anyone who worked as a Navy Journalist, and was on Adak !
I was stationed on Adak 1986-1988 , worked the AFRTS Station. JO3 Paul Mikec.
Found several photos in an old photo album and scanned them into pdf pages.. If you have any of Adak as well that you’d like to share – drop me an email. Would be happy to share the photos I have with you.
pmikec1@gmail.com
Stationed on Adak ‘63-64. Flew in on Reeves Alutian Airlines to maim base, then on to NavGrpSec about 12 miles away from main base. Remember only about 4 buildings, one on the “mountain “ where we all worked. Had bowling alley with 2 lanes!!! Communication Technician monitoring Russian fishing fleet!! Anyone able to fill in the blanks??? Bill D. P.O. Box 207, Blauvelt NY 10913
We were stationed in adak three times and loved it. The wind was so bad you always walk at a slant. If the sun came out you would get the day off with pay from work, might happen once a year. But we loved it there.
I was stationed there in 1967-68 Naval Support, Electric shop CEW-2. Hiked to the other side of the Island and went for a swim in the Bering Sea! brrrrrr. It was a long year there.
Stationed at comm sta ( clam lagoon) from 1956 -1957 major event was the earthquake in 1957
It was a 8.9 tore up the base pretty bad. Remember the view from our 2nd story barracks — mt. Sitka ( when you could see it) smoking away. Fond memories of my time on the “Rock”.
Whole purpose of my division was in support of the CT (communication tech) . Hiking all over the island— they did’t tell us that there were land mines left over from WW 2. In those days there was no McDonald’s or Pizza Hut—liberty was a bus ride to the NOB—(naval operating base) for a movie & hamburger—big whoop!!!pretty primitive.
John sanborn
Just stumbled onto this site today, wondering what ever became of Adak. Surprised to see your note, as I was also there as a CT in 1957 and survived the big earthquake! Adak was pretty active then, but it sounds as if it’s a ghost town now.
assigned to sec group–away from town
was attached to comsta public works 1970-1971
lived in town near the CPO Club
we did some interesting repairs and interfaced with many military and civilian pers..
Good Memories -had my wife-daughther there and my son was first child born jan70-71..
Seabee Shipmate richrard skarzynski– terriffic guy,///we had a tight group in comsta but married with family lived in town duplexed homes.enjoy playing BANCO WITH Many families.
Catching salmon swimmimg up.. I Tsunami warning on a sunday .. fishing at lake bonny—fishing for tuna or halibut —MMR boat was good but the waves got the best of all of us.. good skiipper 2nd class. beautiful scenery when weather and willy waws were calm..the best of FRESH air i had since returning from vietnam big change,, a great time to decompress for many of the Seabees that were there.
SEE FIRST VERSION!!!!!
Yes, they were called Sun Days
Was stationed there from Feb 77 to Feb 78. was a 18 year old Seabee for Public Works. worked as a boiler watch. 8 hours of driving around in a 4 wheel Jeep checking and signing in at each boiler. We bought a 61 New Yorker with push button Transmission from the chief of the Police for 500.00. Had 5.00 left. Chad and I bought three bottles of Mad Dog 20 20. Don’t remember anything else that day. Hated it when I was there, (hell, we all did). But have some of the best memories of my youth are from there. I sent my dog home named Alkie. They were trying to get rid of the dog population off the inland.
When the sun did come ( once or twice a year) The Capt. of the base would declare it a Sun Day, and everyone had the day off. Do you remember the Painted Rock, Speed limit of 30 mile a hour, The snow going horizontal, The Crab expedition coming in? Filling two 55 Gallon barrels of Crab. Giving one to the Galley so they would cook them for us. Ahhhh the memories.
I was there Jan 76- Sept 77. Worked in the galley and lived at Bering hill. I’ll never forget that place. I remember many Seebees. Mostly they were BU’s CE’s. BU3 Scott McCallam. We had a blast i would go back if i could. Played softball on the base team and traveled to Washington state two years.
My dad, Sgt. Harvey Hughes with the 45th Infantry, Corp of Engineers was there when they built the landing strip in the fall of 1942 in 11 days. He told of the use of explosives to blow up a hill or mountain to get material to build the airstrip. The film “Report from the Aleutians” documents the construction of the base. I don’t know if he was attached to the 807th Aviation Battalion or how that was done. He spoke of many places they were stationed or visited; Adak, Dutch Harbor, Cold Bay, Kodiak Island, Nak Nek, and Anchorage during his 3.5 years from when they left Seattle.
My dad, Sgt. Harvey Hughes with the 45th Infantry, Corp of Engineers was there when they built the landing strip in the fall of 1942 in 11 days. He told of the use of explosives to blow up a hill or mountain to get material to build the airstrip. The film “Report from the Aleutians” documents the construction of the base. I don’t know if he was attached to the 807th Aviation Battalion or how that was done. He spoke of many places they were stationed or visited; Adak, Dutch Harbor, Cold Bay, Kodiak Island, Nak Nek, and Anchorage during his 3.5 years from when they left Seattle. I have a lot of pictures of his time in Alaska but I’m not certain of each location.
I was there Jan 76- Sept 77. Worked in the galley and lived at Bering hill. I’ll never forget that place. I remember many Seebees. Mostly they were BU’s CE’s. BU3 Scott McCallam. We had a blast i would go back if i could. Played softball on the base team and traveled to Washington state two years.
I was 1 of 3 Marines being transferred from Parris Island in 1961. I was initially targeted for Adak but we were told we could trade assignments. The choices were HQ Washington, Hawaii and Adak. We all switched and I spent 3 yrs. in Hawaii and lived in Waikiki. A guy nicknamed “Fishin’, huntin’, trappin Groves, who was from Maine wanted Adak. I still gloat about it.
I was station on Adak from 86-88. And yes, it was as cold as everyone described. When the sun came out, about 6 times a year, the CO of the base would let everyone who did not have a mission critical job to have “sunshine liberty”. We’d lay out on the black sand beach in 50 degree weather (middle of summer !) to catch a few rays of sunshine. When I was not on duty I hiked a great deal of that island. The mountain lakes and ponds were the cleanest water you could ever imagine drinking. I found many quonset huts from WWII where I found remnants of the soldiers who were stationed there. I was only 18-20 at the time, but I’ll never forget my time there. Our detachment “renovated” an old hut into a kind of clubhouse where we would camp out and have many a drink. The place was tough as nails – but I loved every minute !
Loved the stories of Adak. I was a navy brat at Kodiak Naval Air Station from 66-68. Mike Murray
I was on Adak in 1946–1947 Served with the 3067 ord ser co. This is my first observance of how it looks now. Our outfit was located on the East end of the airport runway. We lived in Qwonset huts but I don’t see them. I am shocked to see the church we attendid . Do I want to go back for a visit??? We played baseball one weekend and the sun came out and we stopped the game to look at it the whole 5 minutes. That is the only time we saw it up there in 9 months. I don’t miss it!!!! Dud Metke