Kotzebue FSS Building, Winter and Summertime

Kotzebue FSS and National Weather Service (NWS) Building (OTZ), Alaska

Wintertime in Kotzebue.  Kotzebue FSS was a level II facility located 33 miles above the arctic circle.  During the summer months one could literally step out the back door and catch fish in the Kotzebue Sound (Arctic Ocean), which lies behind the building. The Ocean freezes over during the long winter months.

Entry into the FSS/NWS was obtained on the right side of the building. The center section housed the FSS, the left the NWS. The right side was the equipment room.

Summertime in Kotzebue

View looking north.  The main entrance to the FSS and NWS facility was located on the opposite end of the building. In this photo, the FSS facility was housed in the section on the right and the NWS in the left section facing this photo. The Arctic Ocean can be seen on the left.

Kotzebue FSS Inflight Two, Winter 1999

Kotzebue FSS (OTZ), Alaska, January 17, 1999
The employee in the plaid shirt is working the inflight position, which was located to the far left just outside of the photo. The other position located in the center and right area of the photo performed all other FSS duties, including additional Inflight contacts.

King Salmon Aerial View

King Salmon Airport (AKN), Alaska, about 1950

Aerial view of the King Salmon Airport


Photo taken and submitted by Brian Fortier

Aerial photo of the King Salmon Airport and FAA complex (CAA at that time). The Naknek River can be seen at the bottom of the photo. About 1950

King Salmon Control Tower, 1950


Photo taken and submitted by Brian Fortier

King Salmon Control Tower (AKN), Alaska, 1950

This old weather observation tower was converted to an air traffic control tower

King Salmon Piper J4 Cub, 1951


Photo taken and submitted by Brian Fortier

King Salmon Airport (AKN), Alaska, 1950

King Salmon FSS specialist, Brian Fortier’s, first airplane purchased in the summer of 1950.

This 1939 Piper J4 Cub Coup was purchased from Middlebury, VT and flown by the seller from Middlebury to King Salmon, Alaska.  Total price of plane and delivery….$1100.00.