Yes, Clear AFS is still operational, just south of Anderson. Not sure why it is, but it is. It is being run more and more by civilians working for DoD or contractors that work for the Air Force. Many of the small Air Force Stations through out the state have been closed and abandoned, due to satellites being able to do the job cheaper and as well, Clear just keeps ending up in the budget cycle every time. Roughly 300 personnel there, half military as an estimate. Giant radar domes scanning the sky of Alaska for aircraft. The Alaska Airmans Manual warns not to get within one half mile of the domes as they may damage your aircraft radios. My radios were the least of my concerns so I stay a long ways out when flying in that area.
Bill, forum member Trackrig, grew up in Anderson, as his father worked at Clear AFS. We have a mutual friend that just signed a two year extension of his contract to work there as an electrician.
Shipping out of Texas doesn't make sense? Doesn't have too,as we are talking about a government operation, and a military one at that. LOL