Port Clarence Coast Guard Station

Port Clarence Coast Guard Station Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true outpost of civilisation in the harsh expanses of Alaska. Located right at the border with the Bering Strait, this facility is shrouded in an atmosphere of polar exploration and the strict discipline characteristic of military sites. Here, where the sky meets the tundra, the runway serves as a vital thread connecting this remote corner with the rest of the world. Travellers are brought here not by idle curiosity, but by official necessity or unique expedition routes.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Port Clarence Airport holds the unique status of a private facility belonging to the US Government, serving the needs of the Coast Guard. This leaves a mark on all its operations: landing here requires Prior Permission Required (PPR), and civilian flights are extremely rare, most often performed by charter airlines, such as Bering Air, from neighbouring Nome.

Despite its remoteness, the airport is equipped with an asphalt runway approximately 1,370 metres long, allowing it to accept small aircraft in various weather conditions. The main advantage of this air harbour is its strategic location: it provides access to one of the westernmost points of the continent, playing a key role in regional logistics and ensuring maritime safety in the northern latitudes.

Given the status of Port Clarence Coast Guard Station Airport as a restricted US government facility, there is no standard tourist infrastructure or 24-hour information service here. Direct communication with the airport is limited to official requests (PPR — Prior Permission Required). For civilians and expedition participants, the main channel of communication is the operating airline.

• Official Airport Website: There is no dedicated web resource. Information is available on the US Coast Guard (USCG) website or in specialised pilot directories (AirNav/FAA).
• Administration Phone (PPR): +1 907-642-3844 (This number is intended exclusively for official requests and aircraft landing coordination).
• Airport Address: Port Clarence Coast Guard Station, Port Clarence, AK 99762, USA.
• Email: There is no public email for passenger enquiries.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official social media accounts.
• Lost Luggage Information: Tracing items and claims are handled exclusively by the air carrier. It is recommended to contact the Bering Air office servicing this route.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions regarding schedules, tickets, and transfers, please contact the Bering Air representative office in Nome by phone at +1 907-443-5464 or visit their official website.

When planning a route to Port Clarence Coast Guard Station Airport, it is important to understand that you are heading to one of the most isolated corners of Alaska. The usual rules of urban logistics do not apply here: there is no metro, no scheduled buses, and no standard taxi services. Transport accessibility to the site depends entirely on weather conditions and special arrangements.

Since there is no road network connecting Port Clarence with the rest of the mainland, the main transfer hub is Nome Airport. It is from there that most flights to this remote destination originate.

Public Transport

Public transport, in the conventional sense, does not exist in Port Clarence. There are no bus routes or railway connections. The territory is a service zone surrounded by tundra, where the movement of civilians without special escort is restricted. The only "public" way to get here is via small aviation operating in an air taxi mode.

Transfers and Taxis

Services like Uber, Lyft, or city taxi fleets do not operate in this region. Local logistics look as follows:

• Organised Transfer: If you are arriving for work or as part of an expedition, the receiving party (station representatives or science camp staff) usually provides service transport from the runway to the accommodation blocks.
• Walking Distance: Considering that the distance from the airfield to the main station buildings is only about 2 kilometres, in good weather, this path can be covered on foot, but this requires coordination with the facility administration due to safety issues and possible encounters with wild animals.

Car Rental

It is impossible to rent a car directly in Port Clarence — there are no rental desks. The nearest rental services are in the city of Nome, but you cannot use them to travel to Port Clarence due to the lack of roads connecting these points.

Parking

Parking areas for machinery are provided near the runway, but they are intended exclusively for station staff vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. There are no commercial paid parking lots for travellers.

Travel Time and Cost

The trip from the runway to the "centre" (station administrative buildings) by service vehicle takes 5–10 minutes. The main expenses are not related to ground transfers (which are usually free for authorised guests) but to the flight.

• The cost of a charter flight or a ticket on a small plane from Nome can vary from 200 to 500 US Dollars and higher one way, depending on the load and type of aircraft.

Recommendations for Travellers:

The main advice is to plan everything in advance. It is impossible to get into Port Clarence Airport "off the street". Ensure you have permission to visit (PPR) and an agreement with the receiving party to meet you at the aircraft steps. Dress for the Arctic climate, even if the transfer to the building seems short: the weather here changes instantly.

The infrastructure of Port Clarence Coast Guard Station Airport differs radically from standard civilian air harbours. Here you will not find confusing corridors, numerous gates, or noisy departure lounges. The entire complex is subject to strict functionality and military order, where every element serves a specific purpose — ensuring safety and supporting operations in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.

Number and Purpose of Terminals

In effect, one conditional terminal operates at Port Clarence Airport. It is part of the station's administrative and utility complex. This is not a separate terminal building in the tourist sense, but a multifunctional structure combining the tasks of a control point, a rest area for crews, and a small space for the short-term stay of passengers.

Layout and Navigation

Orienting yourself on the premises is extremely simple due to the compactness of the facility, however, freedom of movement here is strictly limited. The airport layout includes:

• Runway (RWY): An asphalted zone where landing and disembarking take place.
• Apron: An area for aircraft parking located in immediate proximity to the main buildings.
• Service Building: The place where all formalities are conducted.

Navigation for arrivals is carried out on the principle of "visual contact": the distance from the aircraft steps to the building entrance is only a few dozen metres. Signs are absent as they are unnecessary, since the movement of civilians is permitted only when accompanied by station personnel.

Arrival and Departure Zones

Due to low passenger traffic, arrival and departure zones are not physically separated. All operations are conducted in one room.

• Arrival Zone: Upon exiting the plane, passengers are immediately met by representatives of the receiving party or the duty officer. Luggage collection takes place directly at the side of the aircraft (a "hands-on" procedure where the crew hands items to passengers).
• Departure Zone: This represents a small waiting room inside the station. Here you can shelter from the wind and cold while waiting for the aircraft to be ready for takeoff. Boarding is done through a common door leading to the apron.

Transfers Between Terminals

Since the facility has a single service zone, there is no need for transfers, shuttles, or travelators. The entire journey from the "terminal" to the plane takes less than 2 minutes on foot.

Service Features

The Port Clarence terminal does not offer commercial services. There are no Duty-Free shops, cafes, ATMs, or currency exchange points. Travellers should consider the following features:

• Facilities: Basic sanitary rooms are available.
• Communication: The possibility of using Wi-Fi or telephone connection depends on the permission of the station administration and may be unavailable to guests.
• Food: It is recommended to carry a supply of water and food, as it is impossible to buy them on-site.

Processing Time

Despite the absence of queues typical for large hubs, procedures here have their own specifics:

• Check-in: There is no check-in counter as such. Passenger verification is done against a manifest (list) submitted in advance. It is recommended to arrive at the assembly point or be ready for departure 30–40 minutes before the appointed time.
• Security Check: Conducted visually and documentarily. Checking identity documents and visitation permits (PPR) is mandatory and thorough. This takes from 5 to 15 minutes.

Recommendations for Navigation and Conduct

The main rule at Port Clarence Airport is do not leave your escort. The territory around the runway is a high-danger zone not only due to operating machinery but also due to wildlife (encounters with bears or muskoxen are possible). If you are waiting for departure, stay inside the provided room and do not go out onto the airfield without a command from the pilot or station employee.

The history of Port Clarence Coast Guard Station Airport (KPC) is inextricably linked with the development of navigation systems in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. Unlike civilian airports, this facility was created not for passenger transport, but as a critical node of the global LORAN-C radio navigation system, ensuring the safety of navigation and flights in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea.

The official start date of the station's operation is considered to be 1961. It was then, at the height of the Cold War and active exploration of the North, that the US Coast Guard commissioned this remote facility. Construction was carried out in extreme permafrost conditions, which required unique technical solutions from engineers to create a runway and residential blocks capable of withstanding Arctic storms and temperature fluctuations.

A key stage of development and the main visual symbol of the station for half a century was the giant radio mast. The LORAN-C antenna tower erected here reached a height of 411 metres (1,350 feet). For decades, it held the record for the tallest structure in Alaska, serving as a landmark for pilots and sailors long before the advent of modern GPS navigators.

A turning point in the airport's history was 2010. Due to the widespread transition to satellite navigation, the US Government decided to cease the operation of the LORAN-C system. This led to a large-scale reorganisation of the facility. On April 28, 2010, perhaps the most dramatic reconstruction in the station's history took place: the famous radio tower was dismantled via controlled demolition. This event marked the end of an entire era of analogue navigation in the region.

Interesting Facts from the Airport's History:

• Before its demolition, the station's radio mast was so tall that its lights could be seen for tens of kilometres, and it was the tallest structure ever built by man in the American Arctic.
• During its heyday, the station was a fully autonomous "city", where up to 30 military personnel lived year-round, maintaining equipment operation in conditions of total isolation.
• Despite the closure of the LORAN navigation programme, the runway was preserved and modernised. Today it continues to function as a strategic jump-off point and a base for ecological monitoring of the region.

The modern stage of Port Clarence's history is a transition from a permanent military presence to seasonal and expeditionary use. The airport remains an active monument to engineering perseverance and an important logistical link on the map of Alaska, providing access to the strait separating two continents.

It is important to understand that Port Clarence Coast Guard Station Airport is a closed military facility operating in harsh Arctic conditions. The concept of passenger service, familiar to commercial airports, is completely absent here. The terminal is not designed for tourists, and the level of comfort here is determined solely by operational necessity. Passengers arriving here should be prepared for complete autonomy.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

There are no restaurants, cafes, or bars at the airport or on the station territory. There are also no vending machines, Duty-Free shops, or souvenir stalls. Dining at the station is organised in the service canteen (mess hall) strictly according to schedule and only for personnel or authorised guests. Access to it is not guaranteed for casual travellers or transit passengers.

Expert Tip: Be sure to take a supply of food (snacks, freeze-dried products) and water with you before flying from Nome. It will be impossible to buy provisions on-site.

Financial Services and Communication

Infrastructure for solving domestic and business issues at the station is kept to a minimum or is absent for outsiders:

• Banks and ATMs: Absent. Bank cards are not accepted for payment anywhere, and currency exchange points are not provided. If your stay involves any expenses (which is unlikely), carry US dollars in cash.
• Wi-Fi and Communication: The station has satellite internet and telephone communication, but these are secure channels for official use. Guest Wi-Fi is absent. Mobile connection (cellular network) in this area works extremely unstably or is absent altogether. Be prepared for a "digital detox".
• Charging Devices: In waiting areas, there are standard American sockets (110V, type A/B) which can be used to recharge gadgets, but special charging stations are not installed.

Lounges and VIP Services

The concept of a VIP lounge or business lounge is irrelevant in Port Clarence. The only place where you can wait for a flight is a heated room inside the administrative building or hangar. Conditions are spartan: simple chairs or benches, access to a toilet, and protection from the wind. Priority service (Fast Track) is not provided, as all passengers undergo processing in the general order.

Medical Services

Qualified medical personnel (a sanitary instructor or paramedic) are usually present at the station to provide first aid to Coast Guard staff. There is no full-fledged medical centre or pharmacy for civilians. In case of serious health problems, the only solution is emergency medical evacuation (medevac) by helicopter or plane to the hospital in the city of Nome.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers

The airport infrastructure is not adapted to modern standards of accessible environments or family travel:

• Passengers with Children: Mother and child rooms, changing tables, or play zones are absent. Travelling with small children to this region without extreme necessity is not recommended due to the harsh conditions.
• Passengers with Disabilities: A barrier-free environment is absent. The surface around the runway may be uneven (gravel, soil), and special lifts or ambulifts for boarding the plane are not provided. Assistance with boarding and disembarking is provided by the crew and station staff upon prior request.

Accommodation: Hotels and Lodging

There are no commercial hotels, hostels, or guest houses in the airport itself or within a radius of the nearest 100 kilometres. The housing stock of Port Clarence consists of barracks and dormitories for personnel.

• At the Station: Accommodation is possible only by prior agreement with the facility command and is generally provided only to participants of scientific expeditions or seconded employees.
• Nearest Hotels: The nearest available tourist infrastructure is located in the city of Nome. If you are planning a trip to Port Clarence, Nome should be your base camp for overnight stays, from where flights are made.

Business Services

Conference rooms in the generally accepted sense are absent. The station has rooms for briefings, which are used to assign tasks to personnel. Using them for civilian negotiations is possible only in exceptional cases and with the permission of the station chief.

Dining at Port Clarence Coast Guard Station Airport is an issue that travellers need to resolve long before arriving at the facility. Since KPC is an active military and logistical site, commercial gastronomic infrastructure is completely absent here. Passengers should not count on the usual airport service: you will not find coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or bars here.

Restaurants and Cafes: The Reality of a Remote Facility

There are no catering establishments available for transit passengers or guests on the runway territory or in adjacent buildings. There are no terminals in the classic sense, divided into "airside" and "landside" zones with food courts.

• For Civilians: There is no opportunity to buy ready-made food on-site. Vending machines with snacks or drinks are also absent.
• For Personnel and Authorised Guests: A service canteen (Galley/Mess Hall) operates at the station. However, access there is strictly regulated. Meals are provided only to Coast Guard employees, contractors, and official expedition participants residing at the base.

Cuisine Features and "Local Dishes"

If you are lucky enough to get permission to eat in the service canteen (which is extremely unlikely for a regular visitor), the menu will represent the standard ration of American military and service personnel: high-calorie, filling food (meat, side dishes, salads), designed to replenish energy in a cold climate. No exquisite dishes of local Arctic cuisine or delicacies are served here.

Dining Tips for Travellers

The only way to guarantee yourself lunch or a snack is to bring it with you. Since the absolute majority of flights arrive from the city of Nome, that is where you should take care of provisions.

Recommendations for Quick Snacks and Full Meals:

• Before Departure: Have a hearty meal in Nome. The flight time is relatively short, but delays due to weather can stretch your journey for hours.
• In-Flight Supplies: Be sure to take a supply of high-calorie products that do not require heating or preparation. Energy bars, nuts, dried meat (jerky), chocolate, or sandwiches are ideal.
• Water: This is a critically important resource. Although there is drinking water at the station, access to it may be limited for outsiders. It is recommended to carry a personal flask or bottled water.

Dietary Nutrition (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

In conditions of complete autonomy, care for dietary preferences rests entirely on the passenger's shoulders. If you have specific food requirements (allergies, religious beliefs, or veganism), you must form your own ration before departure. You cannot rely on finding specialised Halal or other dietary food at the station.

Summary of Prices and Opening Hours

The concepts of "average bill" and "opening hours" are not applicable to this facility. Commerce is absent here. Meals in the service canteen (for those with clearance) are usually carried out according to a schedule: breakfast (06:00–07:00), lunch (11:30–12:30), and dinner (17:00–18:00), however, these doors are closed to external visitors.

A trip to Port Clarence is not a standard flight, but a true Arctic expedition. Given the facility's status as a closed Coast Guard station and the severe weather conditions, passengers need to prepare thoroughly for the journey. Below are tips to help make your visit as safe and organised as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in

The rules of "arriving 2 hours early" do not work here. Since there are no commercial flights, and flying is done by small aviation charters:

• Be Punctual: Pilots of small aircraft depend on "weather windows". If departure is scheduled for 10:00, be on-site with your belongings by 09:30. Being late even by 10 minutes can lead to flight cancellation due to deteriorating visibility.
• Documents Ready: Keep your passport and visitation permit (PPR) in an easily accessible place (for example, in an outer jacket pocket). Document checks by station staff are performed immediately upon arrival or before boarding.

Luggage and Hand Luggage: Small Aviation Rules

Flights to this region are usually performed on aircraft like the Cessna Caravan or King Air, where space is limited.

• Soft Bags: Instead of rigid plastic suitcases, use backpacks or soft sports bags (duffel bags). They are easier to stow in the cargo hold of a small plane.
• Weight Control: Weighing here is strict; often not only luggage is weighed, but also the passengers themselves to calculate aircraft balance. Try to minimise the weight of your belongings.
• Prohibited Items: Remember that you are flying to a military facility. Weapons, alcohol (often prohibited or restricted at the station), narcotics, and professional filming equipment (without permission) are strictly forbidden.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

In small planes, seats are often not numbered. Boarding is directed by the pilot, seating passengers to correctly centre the vessel.

• Listen to the Pilot: If you are allowed to choose a seat yourself, take a window seat on the starboard (right) side when flying from Nome — the best views of the coastline and tundra open up from there.
• Warmth: It can be chilly in the cabins of small planes. Do not put your jacket in luggage; it is better to wear it.

Recommendations for Transit Passengers

Since there are no direct flights "from the mainland" to Port Clarence, your transfer hub will be Nome Airport.

• Allow Buffer Time: Never plan a "tight connection". Between arriving in Nome and departing for Port Clarence, it is better to leave at least a 24-hour buffer in case of non-flying weather.
• Luggage Storage: If you have a lot of luggage, check the possibility of leaving part of your items in storage in Nome, taking only the essentials to Port Clarence.

Tips for Savings and Comfort

• Autonomy: The main way to save your nerves and health is to bring everything with you. Water, food, medicines, hygiene products — there is nowhere to buy these in Port Clarence.
• Clothing: Dress in layers. The weather can change from sunshine to storm winds in 15 minutes. Waterproof footwear is mandatory even for the short walk from the plane to the building.
• Gadgets: Charge all devices in advance and take a powerful power bank. There may be few sockets in the waiting area, and the cold drains batteries quickly.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays and cancellations of flights in Alaska are commonplace. If you get stuck in Port Clarence:

• Stay Calm: Pressuring station staff or pilots is useless. The decision to fly is made solely based on safety.
• Stay in Touch: Keep close to your escort or in the designated room. If a "window" for departure appears, assembly will be instantaneous (5–10 minutes).
• Entertainment: Have a paper book or downloaded films with you. There will most likely be no internet for entertainment.