Military

There is a long, proud presence of the military on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. There are currently several military and federal installations who provide over $2 billion in annual economic impact.

Keesler Air Force Base is home to the 81st Training Wing, the electronics training Center of Excellence for the U.S. Air Force, the 2nd Air Force, 403rd Wing (Hurricane Hunters), and the 85th Engineering Installation Squadron. As a lead joint training installation, they also train Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and other civilian federal agency personnel. Keesler alone provides over $1 billion dollars of impact.

The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Biloxi provides healthcare and resources to military veterans at the Biloxi VA. The Biloxi National Cemetery is also located on the grounds of the Biloxi Veterans Administration and is open to all honorably discharged veterans and their dependents.

The Naval Construction Battalion Center is located in Gulfport. They are the construction arm of the U.S. Navy and their mission is to provide support to Naval Construction Force Units. The Seabees have donated many hours of community service and are an important asset following natural disasters.

The Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport is one of only two premier retirement communities for veterans in the country. Overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, the retirement home offers a swimming pool, fitness center, library, bike shop, bowling center, computer center, and much more.

NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Hancock County tested rocket engines for the space shuttle program for many years. Today the center provides propulsion test services for NASA, the Department of Defense, and the private sector.