Keesler AFB - Mississippi
Location
Keesler AFB is located in Biloxi, Mississippi on the Gulf Coast. There are strong military ties throughout the area. Twenty miles to the west is the Naval Construction Battalion "Seabee" Base. Additionally, there are large military contractors in the area. Keesler AFB is located approximately 1 hour east of New Orleans, LA; 1 hour west of Mobile, AL; and 4 hours south of Jackson, MS. The base operator's phone number is 228-377-1110. For more information on the Biloxi area, visit the City of Biloxi webpage.
History
Keesler is part of Air Education and Training Command, and our primary mission since 1941 has been training. The emphasis is on high-technology training in a number of fields, primarily in the electronics specialties. Avionics maintenance, radio and radar systems maintenance, communications-electronics, computer systems programming and maintenance, air traffic control, and weather training are but a few of the main specialties taught at Keesler. For a thorough history of the installation visit Keesler's homepage.
Mission
The major command at Keesler is the Air Education and Training Command. The main mission in the 81st Training Wing is training, the 81st Training Group is responsible for nearly 500 training courses both locally and at detachments and satellite locations. The 81 TRG Mission Statement: Advance Critical Mission Capabilities of the Air and Space Expeditionary Force... Warriors... Training Warriors... For Warriors!
Base Transportation
A shuttle bus can transport you to most locations on base. Please check with Base Transportation for information on routes and schedules.
There is a shuttle for TDY students who must billet off base. Please check with Billeting and/or Base Transportation for information on pick up times at your hotel in the morning and times it can return you to your hotel in the afternoon.
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Sponsorship
The AETC Sponsorship Program (AETCI 36-2104) mandates appointment of a sponsor for all military personnel below the grade of colonel and civilian equivalents. Your sponsor is responsible for mailing the welcome package; contacting you and answering any questions you may have prior to your arrival. Your sponsor will help you and your family until you are settled in. If you have not heard from a sponsor, you should initiate contact with you unit for a sponsor no later than 30 days prior to departing their current location. If you experience any communication difficulties with your sponsor, please contact the unit Command Support Staff (CSS) or the Airman and Family Readiness Center's main office, 228-377-2179 or DSN 312-597-2179.
Personnel coming to Keesler for TDY training should coordinate with the training squadron for specific information regarding their school and their lodging arrangements. Please refer to the AETC ETCA site since all training courses are required to post reporting instruction there.
Non Prior Service (NPS) Technical Training Students are not provided sponsors. However, the Keesler Airman and Family Readiness Center Relocation Annex will assist with any questions or concerns you may have. Pleasse call 228-377-0155 or DSN 312-597-0155.
Before you arrive, use the following temporary address: Rank and name; General Delivery 500 "B" Street, Keesler AFB, MS 39534-2322; Member's Reporting Date. Your sponsor can get you a PO Box up to 90 days prior to your arrival. Please be sure to provide your sponsor with a copy of your orders.
Temporary Quarters
Keesler maintains more than 1,400 temporary lodging units with a high occupancy rate. Contact them early and make your arrangements. Reservations can be made at the Inns of Keesler by calling 1-888-235-6343 or DSN 312-597-9986.
Relocation Assistance
Relocation assistance is available in two locations. Our main Airman and Family Readiness Center office, Hangar 2, 228-377-2179 or DSN 312-597-2179, assists permanent party and the Airman and Family Readiness Center Annex, in Levitow Training Support Facility, 228-377-0155 or DSN 312-597-0155, is for students. Permanent party inbound services include: Child Care for PCS, individual relocation assistance, employment resources, community school directory, newcomer welcome packages, and sponsorship training. Permanent party outbound services include: Smooth Move workshops, relocation resource library, individual outbound relocation assistance, and Child Care for PCS.
Air Force Aid Society's Child Care for PCS Program is 20 hours of free care available within 60 days of arrival provided through the Family Child Care Home Providers. Bring a copy of your PCS orders to the A&FRC and get the eligibility certificate. Currently, there are a limited number of providers but that situation is improving weekly. Remember to ask your losing base Airman and Family Readiness Center about Child Care for PCS.
Critical Installation Information
Hurricane Season
The Gulf Coast's hurricane season is June 1st - November 1st. It is mandatory for base housing residents to either evacuate to another location or go to an identified shelter when so directed. The base provides a wealth of information and offers frequent training to properly prepare individuals for the hurricane season.
Notes for Spouses of NPS Technical Training Students at Keesler
Concurrent travel is approved for Non-prior service airmen whose course length is 20 weeks or more. Please note, rentals are expensive in this area. Also, NPS airmen are not allowed to reside with spouses until at least 30 days after arrival and/or they have reached their appropriate phase.