Keesler AFB
Keesler Air Force Base Relocation Information
Welcome to Keesler AFB
Keesler Air Force Base is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It's home to the 81st Training Wing, the 2nd Air Force (NAF—Numbered Air Force), and the 403rd Wing (Air Reserve). It serves as a leading Joint Training Installation and collaborates with the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and civilians. As the largest employer in the region, the base trains more than 28,000 students annually.
Keesler AFB has a rich history dating back to 1941, when it served as an Army Air Corps training base during World War II. Initially known as Keesler Field, it was named in honor of 2nd Lieutenant Samuel Reeves Keesler Jr., a Mississippi native and World War I aviator. Throughout its history, Keesler has served as a training hub for various Air Force specialties, including communications, electronics, and meteorology. Today, it remains a vital installation, hosting technical training for various military career fields.
Keesler AFB is home to:
- 81st Training Group
- 81st Medical Group
- 81st Mission Support Group
- Second Air Force
- 403rd Wing
- 85th Engineering Installation Squadron
Frequently Asked Questions About Keesler AFB
1) What is Keesler AFB known for?
Keesler Air Force Base is a premier training center for the United States Air Force. It specializes in technical education, including communications, electronics, and cyber operations.
2) What is the largest Air Force base in Mississippi?
Keesler AFB is the largest Air Force base in Mississippi. It employs over 7,000 active duty, contractors, and civil service personnel. That number does not include the nearly 4,000 family members, 104,000 retirees in the area, or the 28,000 students who pass through to complete training.
3) What is the zip code for Keesler AFB?
The zip code for Keesler AFB is 39534. Nearby zip codes include 39531 and 39530.
4) What is the BAH for Keesler AFB?
BAH for Keesler AFB ranges from $1,509 for E-1 to $2,139 for E-9 with dependents and from $1,614 for O-1 to $2,643 for O-6 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Base Address:
500 Fisher Street, Building 0701
Keesler AFB, 39534-2554
Biloxi, MS by Sean Pavone with Getty Images via Canva.com
Located in Biloxi, Mississippi, Keesler AFB offers a blend of coastal charm, rich history, and Southern hospitality. Biloxi is on the Gulf of Mexico, boasting stunning beaches that serve as a focal point for leisure and relaxation. The city's culture is deeply rooted in history. The Biloxi Lighthouse serves as a symbol of resilience after enduring numerous hurricanes over the centuries. The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art showcases the unique pottery of George E. Ohr, known as the "Mad Potter of Biloxi," and the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum provides insight into the city's maritime heritage.
Biloxi's culinary scene reflects its coastal location, so fresh seafood is abundant. From casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, residents can indulge in mouth-watering bites. Community events and festivals significantly influence Biloxi's social life, bringing residents together to celebrate local traditions and culture. Events like the Biloxi Mardi Gras parade and the Biloxi Seafood Festival showcase the city's vibrant spirit and offer opportunities for residents to connect with their neighbors.
Military families stationed at Keesler AFB have options for activities and day trips. Mobile is just under an hour to the east of Biloxi, and New Orleans is an hour and a half to the west. Both are exciting, adventure-filled weekend destinations.
Nearby military installations:
Arrival Lodging
The Air Force Inns at Keesler is located on base, and it offers accommodations for incoming service members and their families. The facilities house 603 rooms spread throughout 14 buildings, each with the same convenience to base amenities.
Keesler AFB Lodging
405 Fisher Street Bldg. 470
Keesler AFB, Mississippi, 39534
Phone: (288) 374-0088
Keesler AFB Housing
Photo from Keesler Family Housing
On-base housing at Keesler AFB is privatized and managed by Hunt Military Communities. Four neighborhoods offer three- and four-bedroom layouts with access to community amenities like playgrounds, jogging trails, fitness centers, and more. Sandhill Landing is one of the four neighborhoods. It is located about 25 minutes from Keesler AFB near the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.
Keesler AFB Housing Contact Information
Keesler Family Housing
300 Patrick Drive
Biloxi, MS 39531
Phone: (866) 210-0127
Contact the Housing Service Center at (228) 376-8615 for additional questions and information.
Keesler AFB Off-Base Housing
View homes for sale and houses for rent near Keesler AFB: Keesler AFB Homes
If you're stationed at Keesler Air Force Base and prefer to live off base, there are several popular housing options and neighborhoods in the surrounding area:
- Biloxi: The city where Keesler AFB is located. Biloxi offers a variety of housing options, including apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses. Living in Biloxi provides easy access to the base and local amenities such as the beach, casinos, and dining.
- Ocean Springs: Located just east of Biloxi, Ocean Springs is known for its charming downtown, excellent schools, and family-friendly atmosphere. It's a popular choice for military families seeking a more suburban environment with artsy vibes.
- Gulfport: Situated to the west of Keesler AFB, Gulfport offers a range of housing options and is known for its shopping centers and beaches. It provides a nice blend of urban and suburban living.
- D’Iberville: A short drive north of Biloxi, this small city offers newer housing developments and convenient access to shopping centers and the interstate.
- Long Beach: A bit further west along the coast, Long Beach is known for its small-town feel and beautiful coastline. It may appeal to those looking for a quieter lifestyle.
Each area offers different benefits, from proximity to the base to differing community atmospheres and available amenities. Exploring these neighborhoods can help you find the right fit for your housing preferences and lifestyle.
Keesler AFB BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Keesler AFB is near Biloxi and Ocean Springs. Some sample Keesler AFB BAH rates for zip code 39534:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,509
- E-1 without dependents: $1,305
- E-9 with dependents: $2,139
- E-9 without dependents: $1,617
- O-1 with dependents: $1,614
- O-1 without dependents: $1,410
- O-6 with dependents: $2,643
- O-6 without dependents: $2,025
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Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Paul Rodriguez from Getty Images via Canva.com
Biloxi has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit, while winters are typically mild, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. However, Biloxi is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, and hurricane season spans from June to November. To learn more about hurricane preparedness, visit MDOT.
Keesler AFB Area Schools
School-age children who live on Keesler AFB or in Biloxi fall under the Biloxi Public School District.
Biloxi Public Schools contact information:
160 St. Peter Street
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 374-1810
Families living in Ocean Springs fall under the Ocean Springs Public School District.
Ocean Springs Public Schools contact information:
2300 Government Street
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 875-7706
Families who live in Vancleave fall within the Jackson County School District.
Jackson County Schools contact information:
4700 Col Vickrey Rd
Vancleave, MS 39565
Phone: (228) 283-3000
Private School Review is a great tool to find information about the Keesler area private schools. Families interested in homeschooling should follow the Mississippi Department of Education homeschool regulations. For any questions or concerns, contact the Keesler AFB School Liaison Office.
Support for Military and Families
Photo from Canva
The cost of living in Biloxi is lower compared to national averages. The median home price, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs also trend under the national average, making homeownership more accessible. As for employment, some of the largest employers in Biloxi include the gaming and hospitality industries.
Some helpful links:
Things to Do
- Biloxi Beach is just a short drive from Gulfport and Keesler AFB.
- Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis's former home, is now a museum and library offering insights into Civil War history.
- Gulf Islands Waterpark has thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads.
- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is an interactive children's museum offering educational exhibits and outdoor play areas.
- Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum offers information on the rich maritime history and seafood industry of the Gulf Coast region at this fascinating museum in Biloxi.
- Walter Anderson Museum of Art is a renowned museum in Ocean Springs featuring the vibrant artwork of Walter Anderson and other regional artists.
- Ship Island Excursions allows visitors to take a ferry ride to Ship Island for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and exploring historic Fort Massachusetts.
- Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum is a world of model trains at this museum in Gulfport, featuring intricate displays and interactive exhibits.
- Biloxi Lighthouse has a panoramic view of the Gulf Coast and information on local maritime history.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
500 Fisher Street, Building 0701
Keesler AFB
,
39534-2554