Harrison County is home to Air Force, Navy, National Guard and Coast Guard bases, all of which contribute greatly to the local economy and quality of life.
Located in Biloxi, Keesler Air Force Base (KAFB) is the “Electronics Training Center of Excellence” for the World. Its 81st Training Wing is host to the Second Air Force, 81st Medical Group and 403rd Wing (AF Reserve). Bringing in tens of thousands of students from across the country annually, KAFB adds a new dynamic to the local community. KAFB also hosts some great public events, including annual air shows and the Special Olympics. In 2010, KAFB completed the largest family housing construction project in Air Force history.
The Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport is a logistics center for the East Coast Seabees, handling millions of dollars worth of equipment and honing the combat skills of sailors. The Trent Lott Readiness Training Center, also in Gulfport, is a major air combat training center and helicopter repair facility. The Coast Guard has been serving as enforcer, regulator and rescuer for years – the cavalry for those in distress.
