COLUMBUS AFB
AIR FORCE
Columbus, MS
United States
COLUMBUS AFB
AIR FORCE
Columbus, MS
United States
Columbus AFB
Home of the 14th Flying Training Wing
Base Essentials
Home of the 14th Flying Training Wing and the Air Force's 52-week Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program in Columbus, MS — flying T-6 Texan II, T-38C Talon, and T-1A Jayhawk. A pilot-production posting in a small Mississippi city with a tight ~2,700-person community.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
4,919
Active Duty
2,500
Civilian
700
Population
60,000
Economic Impact
$500 million
Columbus AFB History
Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Mississippi, was activated in 1941 as an Army Air Corps basic flying school. It has been in continuous operation as a pilot training base for over 80 years. Today it is home to the 14th Flying Training Wing, one of four Air Education and Training Command bases that conduct specialized undergraduate pilot training. Columbus AFB produces hundreds of military pilots annually and is expected to continue its training mission for the foreseeable future.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
14th Flying Training Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Site Selected for Army Air Corps Pilot Training
1942
Pilot Training Begins at Columbus Army Flying School
1955
Base Transferred to Strategic Air Command
1969
Returns to Pilot Training Mission
2008
T-37 Tweet Retired After 39 Years of Service
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1941
Site Selected for Army Air Corps Pilot Training
On June 26, 1941, the War Department announced Columbus had been selected as the site for an Army Air Corps pilot training school. Construction got underway that year as the United States rearmed prior to World War II.
1942
Pilot Training Begins at Columbus Army Flying School
Pilot training began in 1942, eventually graduating more than 8,000 World War II flying officers. The school pioneered instrument training and flying standardization boards, earning national recognition in Time magazine and The New York Times.
1955
Base Transferred to Strategic Air Command
Columbus Air Force Base was relinquished to the Strategic Air Command in April 1955 as the Air Force dispersed bombers among more bases. After a four-year rebuilding program, Columbus became home to a B-52 bomber squadron and KC-135 tanker squadron in 1958.
1969
Returns to Pilot Training Mission
On July 1, 1969, Columbus AFB rejoined Air Training Command and resumed undergraduate pilot training. Class 71-01 entered training July 17, 1969, in the T-37, restoring the base to the mission for which it was originally activated.
2008
T-37 Tweet Retired After 39 Years of Service
After 39 years at Columbus AFB and serving as the gateway to the sky for more than 10,685 graduates, the T-37B Tweet was formally retired April 3, 2008. The T-6A Texan II had begun replacing it after its arrival in October 2006.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Columbus AFB.
Columbus AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Columbus 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 Columbus AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Columbus AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Magnolia Inn
In-Processing
Permanent party personnel report to their gaining unit or squadron on the first duty day after arrival. Student pilots (SUPT) report to the 14th Student Squadron (14 STUS) Transition Manager’s Office, Building 268, 166 Liberty Street, Suite 102 — phone (662) 434-7618. If arriving after duty hours, go directly to the Magnolia Inn (lodging) and report to the TM Office no later than 1000 on the next duty day.
The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) is located at Building 730, 495 Harpe Blvd. Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri 0730–1530; Wed 0930–1530. Phone: (662) 434-2624. For lodging, the Magnolia Inn (Building 956, 179 Webb Street) can be reached at (662) 434-2548. Advance reservations are strongly recommended — call 1-888-235-6343 at least 60 days before arrival.
The Wing Newcomers Orientation is mandatory for all active duty members and is held monthly. Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) at (662) 434-2790 to register; the A&FRC is at 166 C Circle, open Mon–Fri 0730–1630. For housing questions, contact the Housing Office at (662) 434-8213.
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Temporary Lodging Details
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Columbus AFB.
453
units
/
MS169
MHA
Military family housing at Columbus AFB is privatized under Hunt Military Communities, which manages three on-base neighborhoods: Capital Village, Magnolia Village, and State Village. Homes feature three- to six-bedroom floor plans in single-family and duplex styles. Each residence is pet friendly with a two-pet limit and no deposit. Amenities vary by neighborhood a…
Local Market
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Cost of Living Around Columbus AFB
75
25% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Columbus AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
5
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
4
Other Schools
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Columbus, MS
Small Town
Commute: 15 minutes
Schools: Columbus Municipal School District
County seat; Columbus Riverwalk, Mississippi University for Women, Tennessee Williams House. Most popular off-base option for Columbus AFB families.
Caledonia, MS
Rural
Commute: 15 minutes
Schools: Lowndes County School District
Small town just east of base with low cost of living; Caledonia schools highly rated by military families.
New Hope, MS
Rural
Commute: 20 minutes
Schools: Lowndes County School District
Unincorporated community south of Columbus offering rural living with good Lowndes County schools.
Steens, MS
Rural
Commute: 15 minutes
Schools: Lowndes County School District
Quiet rural community north of the base; popular with families wanting acreage and short commute.
West Point, MS
Small Town
Commute: 30 minutes
Schools: West Point Consolidated School District
Small town west across the Tombigbee River with affordable housing and rural Mississippi charm.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Columbus AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Spouse Income Tax
Mississippi exempts all military pay. MSRRA applies.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state plates.
Property Tax
Homestead exemption available. Disabled veterans may receive full exemption.
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Pet Policies at Columbus AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Columbus AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
—
Prohibited Animals
8
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
3
Max Pets
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Columbus AFB.
Commissary
1
Columbus AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
5
Columbus AFB Medical Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
3
Fitness Center
Swimming Pool
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbus AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (East 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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.