President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday in what could ultimately be one of the most consequential bilateral conversations of his second term.

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.