Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson outside Anchorage has formed a critical part of America's military readiness, dating back to the Cold War.

American officials quickly discovered a major snag in planning for the summit: summertime is peak tourist season in Alaska, and options both available and equipped to host the two world leaders were severely limited.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the summit would amount to a 'listening session' for President Trump on the Russian leader's interest in peace.