The Aleutian Islands stretch into the sea eastward from mainland Alaska with the Bering Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. These fascinating islands were the site of the only WWII Battleground on U.S. soil. The Japanese invaded and held the Aleutian Islands of Kiska and Attu, where the unforgiving cold and relentless rain kept the troops on both sides frozen and struggling through the difficult conditions. The WWII history of the area is very interesting and the scenery is divine. Visit Adak for a unique and amazing adventure in Alaska.
Adak, Alaska’s southernmost town, is on a remote island of the same name in the Aleutian Island Chain. Adak was the site of the airfield from which the air strikes were launched and the site of a naval air station.
Tim Lenz | Flickr
The Naval Air Facility Adak was established in 1942 and in 1997, the facility was listed as a National Historic Landmark for its role in WWII.
jomilo75 | Flickr
There were over 6000 troops and their families stationed on the island at the height of operations. The remaining facilities are mostly abandoned now.
Paxson Woelber | Flickr
The abandoned barracks stand as a haunting reminder of the military history of this far away place.
Kim F | Flickr
The Old Bering Chapel is a beautiful ruin, lying on a windswept hillside in the treeless land. There are many historic buildings to explore on the hillsides near town.
Kim F | Flickr
Known as the “Forgotten Battle,” the islands of Kisku and Attu were occupied for 15 long, grueling months while U.S. troops bombarded them with air strikes, hoping to reclaim the U.S. soil.
Kim F | Flickr
This tiny outcropping is actually Adak National Forest, 33 trees planted on the treeless island as a way to bring hope at Christmastime for the troops.
jomilo75 | Flickr Check out The Story Behind These 33 Trees In Alaska May Surprise You.
Bunkers and platforms for observation dot the hillsides. Visiting these historic sites is fascinating, and the views are to-die-for.
Travis | Flickr
Adak is beautiful to visit any time of year with a unique type of Alaskan beauty all it’s own.
Paxson Woelber | Flickr
Visit Adak for a history lesson in the U.S. battles during WWII. The battle sites, bunkers, and remains of the past are all there for you to explore, and to remember the only battleground in the U.S. during WWII was in Alaska.
Travis | Flickr
Are you a fan of WWII history? Check out One Of The Last WWII Blimp Hangars Is Right Here In Oregon And It’s So Worth A Visit. And if you like the Aleutians, These Remote Islands On The Edge Of Alaska Have A Dark Past.
Tim Lenz | Flickr
jomilo75 | Flickr
Paxson Woelber | Flickr
Kim F | Flickr
Check out The Story Behind These 33 Trees In Alaska May Surprise You.
Travis | Flickr
Have you been to Adak Island? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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