KEESLER AFB
AIR FORCE
Biloxi, MS
United States
KEESLER AFB
AIR FORCE
Biloxi, MS
United States
Keesler AFB
Base Essentials
Home of Air Force technical training and the 81st Training Wing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast near Biloxi — a training hub with casino-resort proximity, beach access, and Gulf South's affordable lifestyle.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
3,600
Active Duty
6,000
Civilian
3,000
Population
400,000
Economic Impact
$2 billion
Keesler AFB History
Named AfterSecond Lieutenant Samuel Reeves Keesler Jr.
Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, was established in 1941 and has served as the Air Force's primary electronics and technical training center for over 80 years. Home to the 81st Training Wing, Keesler produces thousands of cyber, communications, weather, and air traffic control professionals annually for all military branches. The base suffered significant damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but was rebuilt and modernized. Keesler also hosts the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, the famous "Hurricane Hunters," the only Department of Defense unit that flies into tropical storms and hurricanes for weather reconnaissance.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
81st Training Wing
—
—
53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (Hurricane Hunters)
—
—
403rd Wing (AFRC)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Established as Keesler Field
1947
Becomes Primary Technical Training Center
2005
Hurricane Katrina Severely Damages the Base
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1941
Established as Keesler Field
Keesler Field was established in June 1941 near Biloxi, Mississippi, named for Second Lieutenant Samuel Reeves Keesler Jr., a WWI aerial observer from Mississippi killed in France in 1918. The installation trained aircraft mechanics and technical specialists during WWII.
1947
Becomes Primary Technical Training Center
Keesler was designated the Air Force's primary technical training center in the late 1940s, consolidating electronics and communications training across the service. It remains the Air Force's center for weather, communications, and cyber technical training.
2005
Hurricane Katrina Severely Damages the Base
Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005, causing catastrophic damage to Keesler AFB and the surrounding Biloxi area. The base rapidly shifted from receiving damage to coordinating humanitarian relief operations across the Gulf Coast within days of the storm.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Keesler AFB.
Keesler AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Keesler AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Keesler AFB.
Information
21 of the Best Things To Do Near Keesler AFB
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Information
Keesler Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Information
25 of the Best Keesler AFB Restaurants
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Information
Keesler AFB Housing: 5 Options On and Near Base
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Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Keesler AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
81st Force Support Squadron — Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) / Sablich Center
Phone
(228) 376-8728Hours
Mon–Thu: 0800–1600; Fri: 0800–1500
In-Processing
Permanent-party personnel arriving at Keesler check in through the Military Personnel Section (Force Management) at the Sablich Center, Room 121. Members bring their manila in-processing/PCS package (field record) from their previous base. After checking in, they are scheduled for two mandatory briefings: in-processing/finance and the Newcomers Orientation. After-hours arrivals report to Tyer House (the Inns of Keesler 24/7 check-in point).
The mandatory Newcomers Orientation is held monthly and covers Keesler's training wing mission, Gulf Coast community resources, and all base support services. Spouses are invited. The M&FRC also runs Heart Link (spouse-specific orientation) and has a satellite office at the Levitow Training Support Facility (228-377-0155) for the student and technical training population.
Keesler AFB is home to the 81st Training Wing (technical training) and the 403rd Wing (WC-130J Hurricane Hunters). Located in Biloxi, Mississippi on the Gulf Coast, Keesler offers beach access, casinos, and a low cost of living. Sponsorship per AETC policy is mandated for all military personnel.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Keesler AFB.
On-post family housing at Keesler AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post residential community offers 2–4 bedroom homes convenient to the base's training facilities and medical center. Keesler is primarily a training installation, so the permanent-party population is supplemented by large numbers of transient students at any given time. Biloxi, Mi…
Local Market
$1,400/mo
rent
/
$240,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Keesler AFB
80
20% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Keesler AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison
1
Middle Schools
View schools
3
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Keesler AFB is embedded in Biloxi, Mississippi, on the Gulf Coast — the home of Air Education and Training Command technical training and the Air Force Weather Agency. The Mississippi Gulf Coast experienced significant recovery after Hurricane Katrina and has rebuilt into a revitalized coastal destination. Biloxi's casinos, beaches, and seafood culture define the local lifestyle.
Biloxi
Suburban
The city immediately surrounding Keesler, Biloxi is the primary residential market with a mix of older military-era neighborhoods, rebuilt post-Katrina developments, and newer communities inland. Biloxi Public Schools and Harrison County Schools serve the area depending on exact address. The casino resort corridor along US-90 provides entertainment, employment, and a lively social scene. Gulf beaches are minutes from any neighborhood.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Biloxi Public Schools / Harrison County Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Retirees
Gulf Coast lifestyle, casino entertainment, affordable housing, seafood dining culture, beach access throughout the city
Ocean Springs
Small Town
A charming arts community east of Biloxi on US-90, Ocean Springs consistently tops quality-of-life rankings for the Gulf Coast. The city has a walkable historic downtown with galleries, excellent local restaurants, and a strong arts culture. Ocean Springs Municipal Schools and Jackson County Schools are well-regarded. The commute to Keesler runs about 20 minutes. Many officer and retiree families choose Ocean Springs for its distinct character.
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Ocean Springs Municipal Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Single service members
Outdoorsy types
Top-rated MS small city, arts community, historic downtown, Walter Anderson Museum, Back Bay kayaking
D'Iberville / North Biloxi
Suburban
Inland from the coast on I-110, D'Iberville and north Biloxi communities have grown with newer subdivisions that appeal to families wanting more space and newer construction away from the coastal flood zones. Harrison County Schools serve much of this area. The commute to Keesler runs 15–20 minutes. Promenade retail district in D'Iberville provides a full-service suburban shopping experience.
Commute: 18 min
Schools: Harrison County School District
Families with kids
Dual military
Pet owners
Budget-friendly
Newer construction, higher ground than coast, Harrison County schools, growing suburban corridor, flood zone advantage
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Keesler AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Mississippi fully exempts active duty military pay from state income tax for Mississippi legal residents. Mississippi Na…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Mississippi for Mississippi income tax purposes.…
Vehicle Registration
Mississippi charges a 5% motor vehicle sales tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not Mississippi legal re…
Property Tax
Mississippi has low property tax rates. Harrison County (Keesler AFB, NCBC Gulfport) has typical Mississippi rates. Lega…
Pet Policies at Keesler AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Keesler AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Keesler AFB.
Commissary
1
Keesler AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
Keesler Medical Center (81st Medical Group) — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Keesler AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Division Street Gate (Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Keesler AFB.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Keesler AFB.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.