Keesler Air Force Base

Biloxi, MS

~12,000

Personnel

1941

Established

81 TRW

Host Unit

Keesler Air Force Base

Biloxi, MS

~12,000

Personnel

1941

Established

81 TRW

Host Unit

Base Overview

A major Air Education and Training Command base on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, serving as the “Electronics Training Center of Excellence” and home to the “Hurricane Hunters.”

PCS Timeline Tip If you're PCSing to Keesler AFB, expect housing wait times of 1-3 months. Start your housing search at least 60 days before your report date.

Keesler Air Force Base, strategically situated on the picturesque Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi, is a cornerstone of Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and a hub for specialized technical training. Since its establishment in 1941, Keesler AFB has been at forefront of developing highly skilled Airmen in a multitude of critical career fields. The base is renowned for its “Electronics Training Center of Excellence,” providing foundational and advanced instruction in cyber operations, aircraft electronics, communications, weather, and more to Air Force, joint service, and international students.

The host unit, the 81st Training Wing, is responsible for conducting this vital technical training mission, ensuring a constant flow of proficient graduates to operational units worldwide. Keesler’s significant student population creates a dynamic learning environment focused on innovation and excellence. The wing also operates Keesler Medical Center, one of the largest medical facilities in the Air Force, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the base community and regional beneficiaries.

Beyond its primary training mission, Keesler AFB is home to several key tenant units, including the headquarters of Second Air Force, which oversees all basic military and technical training for AETC. Additionally, the Air Force Reserve Command’s 403rd Wing, the “Flying Jennies,” is based at Keesler. This distinguished wing operates C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlift aircraft and is uniquely known for its WC-130J “Hurricane Hunter” mission, flying directly into tropical storms and hurricanes to gather critical weather data.

Military personnel, students, and their families stationed at Keesler AFB enjoy the unique Gulf Coast lifestyle, with access to beaches, diverse cuisine, and a resilient community that has rebuilt impressively since Hurricane Katrina. Keesler AFB continues its proud tradition of training exceptional Airmen and providing critical operational support, making it a vital installation for the U.S. Air Force.

Base Information

Address

500 Fisher Street, Keesler AFB, MS 39534

Phone

(228) 377-1110

Website

https://www.keesler.af.mil/

Commander

Col. William H. Hunter

Climate

82°F

Summer Avg

53°F

Winter Avg

219

Sunny Days

62"

Annual Rain

Key Units

Host Unit

81st Training Wing

81st Training Group

Tenant Unit

Headquarters, Second Air Force

Tenant Unit

N/A

Demonstration Squadron

Base Overview

A major Air Education and Training Command base on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, serving as the “Electronics Training Center of Excellence” and home to the “Hurricane Hunters.”

PCS Timeline Tip If you're PCSing to Keesler AFB, expect housing wait times of 1-3 months. Start your housing search at least 60 days before your report date.

Base Information

Address

500 Fisher Street, Keesler AFB, MS 39534

Phone

(228) 377-1110

Website

https://www.keesler.af.mil/

Commander

Col. William H. Hunter

Climate

82°F

Summer Avg

53°F

Winter Avg

219

Sunny Days

62"

Annual Rain

Key Units

81st Training Wing

Host Unit

81st Training Group

Tenant Unit

Headquarters, Second Air Force

Tenant Unit

N/A

Demonstration Squadron

Housing Options

Find the perfect place to call home, whether you’re looking for on-base housing or exploring the Biloxi, Mississippi area.

Keesler Family Housing

On-Base

Privatized base housing managed by Hunt Military Communities. Offers several distinct neighborhoods with a mix of housing styles, many built or renovated after Hurricane Katrina. Community centers, pools, playgrounds, walking trails, pet-friendly.

The Sound Apartments

Off-Base

Waterfront apartment complex in Biloxi offering views of the Mississippi Sound. Amenities often include a pool, fitness center, clubhouse, pier, and pet-friendly options. Close to base and Biloxi attractions.

Arbor View Apartments

On-Base

Located in D’Iberville, just north of Biloxi. Offers amenities such as a pool, fitness center, playground, gated access, garages available. Close to shopping at The Promenade.

Nellis AFB Housing

BAH Covered

On-base housing at Nellis AFB is managed by Hunt Military Communities. Options include The Landings at Nellis (family housing) and The Commons (unaccompanied housing).

Nellis AFB Housing

BAH Covered

On-base housing at Nellis AFB is managed by Hunt Military Communities. Options include The Landings at Nellis (family housing) and The Commons (unaccompanied housing).

Nellis AFB Housing

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Healthcare

Find information about medical facilities and healthcare options available to service members and their families at or near Keesler AFB.

Healthcare

Find information about medical facilities and healthcare options available to service members and their families at or near Keesler AFB.

On-Base Clinic

Keesler Medical Center

Large, comprehensive military medical center providing a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services. Includes an Emergency Department, primary care (family health, pediatrics, internal medicine), numerous specialty clinics, surgical services, diagnostics, pharmacy, labor & delivery, mental health. Serves all branches, dependents, and retirees.

Hospital

Merit Health Biloxi

Full-service civilian hospital located in Biloxi. Offers 24/7 emergency care, surgical services, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health, and other specialties. Serves as a local civilian option.

Hospital

Singing River Gulfport

Located further west in Gulfport. Provides comprehensive care including 24/7 emergency and Level II trauma services, advanced surgical care, heart center, cancer care, and women’s & children’s services

TRICARE Region Information Keesler is in the TRICARE West Region, managed by Health Net Federal Services. Make sure to update your DEERS information when you PCS to ensure continuity of care.

Tricare Information

Important information about your TRICARE options in the Biloxi, Mississippi area.

Tricare Information

Important information about your TRICARE options in the Biloxi, Mississippi area.

TRICARE Prime

This HMO-style plan provides care through assigned Primary Care Managers, offering the most affordable option with low out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about Prime.

TRICARE Select

A PPO-style plan, Select offers the freedom to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral, providing greater flexibility and choice. Learn more about Select.

TRICARE For Life

This is Medicare-wraparound coverage for beneficiaries with Medicare Parts A & B. It acts as a secondary payer to cover out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about For Life.

Things to Do

Discover the best attractions, activities, and entertainment options in and around Biloxi, Mississippi.

History

Biloxi Lighthouse & Visitor Center

Iconic cast-iron lighthouse built in 1848, one of Biloxi’s signature landmarks. Tours are available. Adjacent visitor center provides information about the lighthouse and local attractions.

Outdoor

Mississippi Gulf Coast Beaches

Miles of man-made white sand beaches along the MS Gulf Coast. Offers swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing piers, and water sports rentals. Barrier islands offshore create calmer waters.

History

Beauvoir - The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library

Historic estate that was the last home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Includes the restored home, a museum, presidential library, gardens, and a Confederate cemetery.

Keesler AFB Area Map

Explore important locations around Keesler AFB and the Biloxi, Mississippi.

Ready to PCS to Keesler AFB?

Let AFCrashpad help you find the perfect housing option and connect with other military families who know the area.

Ready to PCS to Keesler AFB?

Let AFCrashpad help you find the perfect housing option and connect with other military families who know the area.