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
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.
Would you share your photos my grandpa was stationed there and had to build and defend the atrsttip.
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.
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
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
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 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…
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 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.
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.
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
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 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 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
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 .
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.
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.
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.