Cool monument to an effort largely forgotten except by history buffs. A lot of brave people did some dangerous flying to ferry aircraft through the Arctic as part of US support to the USSR in WW2. Nice to see a beautiful and informative memorial to their contributions!

Robust memorial to the role Alaskans/ the Arctic played in WWII. Along the river walk makes it an easy stop while exploring downtown Fairbanks.

One stop along the river walk while I was exploring Fairbanks. Located on the NE corner of Wendell Street & Noble Street Fairbanks. The statue represents a Russian and American pilot circa WWII, commemorating the strategic and social importance of Alaska as a staging ground in the Lend-Lease program (1942-1945). Nearly 8k aircraft and supplies were ferried to the eastern front from the Lower 48, over Canada and to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, where over 300 Russian pilots flew the planes over the Bering Strait and east to Russia. Sculpture was designed and created by Alaskan sculptor and printmaker, R.T. Wallen, the memorial also commemorates the Women Airline Service Pilots (WASP) who participated in the Lend-Lease program as well.

Beautiful huge statue / memorial. Def go see it if you’re in fair banks. Other statues to see in the area. Plus the antler arch. Also the visitor center is there. It’s a nice to take a stroll in that area. I went on a very snowy day and had such a nice time just walking around.

Beautifully done monument. Impressive and enlightening.

Great fast stop. You may have heard of lend lease, but this monument really fills in the details and does it well.

Better keep memories about WWII

Great info on the plaques!

A very thoughtful memorial, and well sighted.

Nice plaque on the left