Keesler Air Force Base

"Rebuild, Renew and Reload at Keesler"

As the United States Air Force’s premier technical training base, Keesler Air Force Base’s mission is to train battle-ready, high-tech warriors to protect our national security in the ever-changing environment of the 21^st century battlefield. Since the base’s inception in 1941, Keesler Air Force Base has trained airmen in everything from basic training, engine mechanics, radar, and radio maintenance.

Today, the 81st Training Wing at Keesler is the Air Force's computer and electronics training "Center of Excellence." Last year, the wing trained 22,925 Airmen, soldiers, sailors, and Marines in 38 specialties. Keesler Airmen deployed around the world in force with a total of 897 Airmen deployed during the year to over 47 locations. The 81^st Medical Group also sent some of their finest members to participate in a U.S. Southern Command humanitarian mission for four months, helping our partner nations recover from some of the worst natural disasters in 2008.

Keesler is nearing the completion of a transformation as it meets the challenge of overcoming nearly a billion dollars worth of damage brought on by Hurricane Katrina. Reconstruction efforts are nearing completion and in the coming year folks will be seeing the new Base Exchange and commissary completed, initiation of the new hospital tower construction, and progress on the new housing area. Other initiatives that Keesler continues to work on are new dormitories, a Division Street gate for better force protection, and a Warrior Fitness Center.

Keesler remains committed to great environmental stewardship and has launched some new initiatives. For example, Falcon bike patrols were initiated, which has saved over 3,600 gallons of fuel every quarter while providing a healthier and more productive security forces team. Since the hurricane, Keesler has planted more than 2,500 new trees and received Tree City Award for the 16th consecutive year. More than 2,242 tons of construction waste has been recycled and the base was awarded the AETC Environmental Flight of the Year award for 2008. In 2009 efforts will continue as Keesler looks for opportunities to reduce energy consumption further.

Keesler Airmen continue to be active partners in the local community and are committed good neighbors to the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 2008 more than 18,122 documented volunteer hours were clocked in the local community. And Keesler’s $1.18 billion economic impact during the same year has been a boon to the local economy and a steadying factor in the Coast’s recovery.

Signature events, including Keesler’s Thunder on the Bay Air Show, Mississippi State Special Olympics, and CISM Soccer championship, are great examples of how the base is bringing folks back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Keesler AFB.

In its 68 years of existence, Keesler Air Force Base has overcome many obstacles and changed with the times, always meeting the needs of its mission as well as its reputation as a good neighbor. The commitment to excellence is reflected in the men and women of Team Keesler, extending well beyond the confines of the base and into the local community.