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.
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.
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!
Population Served
There are approximately 5,100 active duty military, 1,625 civil service employees, 13,000 retirees, 4,763 family members and 2,700 contractors on Keesler AFB.
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.
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 your unit for a sponsor no later than 30 days prior to departing your current location. If you experience any communication difficulties with your sponsor, please contact the unit Orderly Room or the Airman and Family Readiness Center’s main office, 228-376-8728 or DSN 312-591-8728.
Temporary Quarters
Keesler maintains more than 700 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 312-597-4900.
Relocation Assistance
Relocation assistance is available in two locations. Our main Airman and Family Readiness Center office, Sablich Center Room 110, 228-376-8728 or DSN 312-591-8728, 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, individual outbound relocation assistance, spouse employment 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.
Cell Phones
Cell phone use is strictly prohibited while driving on base.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
Frequently Called Numbers on Base
Airman Family & Readiness Ctr / Customer Service 228-376-8728
Air Force Aid 228-376-8517
Jobs (Transition Assistance Program) 228-376-8502
Volunteer Opportunity 228-377-0155/0698
Family Member Employment 228-376-8728
Base Exchange (BX) 228-435-2216
Base Operations 228-377-2120
Base Operator 228-377-1110
Base US Post Office 228-436-6711
Child Development Center 228-377-2211
Civilian Personnel 228-376-8644/8645
Commissary 228-377-4288/4666
Customer Service 228-377-5561/7771
Customer Service 228-376-8347/8348
Customer Service – Finance 228-376-8225/8229
KFCU – Main Offic 228-385-5500
KFCU – Toll-Free Number 888-533-7534
Legal Assistance 228-376-8716/8605
Lodging Front Desk 228-377-4900/228-374-0088
Medical Appointments 800-700-8603
Medical Center Information Desk 228-376-2550
Public Affairs 228-377-2783
Training Group 228-377-2610
Visitor’s Center 228-377-3844
Youth Center 228-377-4116