Keesler AFB, MS

Keesler AFB, MS 39534 | Base Operator: DSN: 597-1110, (228) 377-1110

Keesler AFB: Overview

Keesler Air Force Base (AFB) is one of the most significant installations for training airmen. The headquarters of the Second Air Force and the 81st Training Wing of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) are stationed here, with the 81st Training Wing handling the training duties at Keesler. The vast majority of the airmen trained at this base are right out of basic training and are preparing to handle the duties of their first permanent duty assignment.

When the installation was planned for construction, it was slated to serve as a training base. Upon opening in June, 1941, it served as an aviation mechanics school for the Army Air Corps. The training role of the base continue to expand, and it was actually designated as an Army basic training site in August of 1941. The basic training role was dissolved following WWII, however, training continued to be the focus of the installation. It has served as a radar school, a radio operations school, and an air traffic control school. Due to base closures, the curriculum of Keesler has been greatly expanded in recent years.

Keesler AFB: Education

Anyone that has received training at Keesler AFB understands how important it is to be well prepared for job responsibilities. Online schools are extremely proficient at delivering a high-quality education to a military student, which will vastly expand your skill set. No matter where you are stationed, you can earn a college degree through an online school. And, you can complete coursework when it is convenient for you. You may want to request information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Keesler AFB: Location

Keesler AFB is located right on the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi, which is in Harrison County. Interstate 10 is readily accessible from the base via the I110 spur. Keesler is basically on a peninsula, since the tract of land it occupies is surrounded by water on three sides. These bodies of water include the Gulf of Mexico, the Back Bay of Biloxi, Mullet Lake, and Big Lake. Other nearby communities include Ocean Springs, MS, Gulfport, MS, Long Beach, MS, Gautier, MS, Pascagoula, MS, Moss Point, MS, Bay Saint Louis, MS, Picayune, MS, Slidell, LA, Prichard, AL, Mobile, AL, Saraland, AL, Bogalusa, LA, and Fairhope, AL.

Keesler AFB: Interesting Facts

Keesler AFB is named in honor of Second Lieutenant Samuel Reeves Keesler, Jr. Second Lieutenant Keesler was wounding during aerial combat and died in German captivity after his plane crashed in January, 1919.
The Tuskegee Airmen were originally trained at Keesler.
The 815th Airlift Squadron and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, also known as the "Hurricane Hunters," of the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing fly their C-130 variants out of Keesler.
The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU), which is a training unit for the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps, is located at Keesler AFB.