NEWS RELEASE: Hangar 5 reopens, enhancing service member lethality

  • Published
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Hangar 5 reopened Dec. 8, providing an additional fitness facility to fortify the joint base’s ability to generate a combat-credible, lethal fighting force.

One of three major gyms on JBER, Hangar 5 closed in mid-2024 following a $5M congressional facility overhaul allocation. It returns as a purpose-built space to forge physically and mentally resilient warfighters.

Upgrades include a new running track, advanced weight-training flooring, turf safety netting for high-intensity training, and structural improvements that support year-round readiness.

“This aligns perfectly with the Secretary of War’s lethality and fitness focus area by serving a vital role in JBER’s military readiness and community resilience,” said Joshua Grieser, Elmendorf Fitness Center and Hangar 5 director. “This multi-year transformation enables us to support unit, individual and family workouts through the long winter months.”

The upgrades are part of longstanding efforts by local and senior Air Force leaders to enhance readiness and quality of life for service members and their families.

“Quality of life is really about setting conditions for Airmen, [Soldiers], Guardians and their families to be successful,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi. “It’s foundational. We can’t talk about readiness without setting those conditions right.”

Hangar 5 will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Media who wish to cover the opening should contact the JBER Public Affairs office by sending an email to jber.pa.mediaops@us.af.mil or by calling (907) 551-8995 by noon, Dec. 12, and provide the name of the media outlet, the reporter and a phone number.