COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. Columbus AFB creates pilots and cultivates airmen. The base's 14th Flying Training Wing of the Air Education and Training Command trains undergraduate pilots in T-6 Texan II, T-38C Talon, and T-1A Jayhawk aircraft. Columbus AFB employs approximately 2,697 military and civilian personnel. The base’s 14th Flying Training Wing is responsible for the intensive 52-week Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program. For a full list of units and agencies at Columbus AFB, visit the base's website. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Columbus AFB so you can get to know your new base and its surrounding community. 1. Where Is Columbus Air Force Base? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Base 4. Entering Columbus Air Force Base and Amenities

• Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Columbus Air Force Base Visitor Center
• Columbus Air Force Base Gate Hours
• Columbus Air Force Base DEERS Office
• Columbus Air Force Base Commissary
• Columbus Air Force Base BX
• Columbus Air Force Base Barber Shops
• Columbus Air Force Base Post Office
• Columbus Air Force Base Finance Office
• Columbus Air Force Base Legal Office
• Columbus Air Force Base Library
• Columbus Air Force Base Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Columbus Air Force Base? 6. What Schools are Near Columbus Air Force Base? 7. What’s the Weather Like at Columbus Air Force Base? 8. Columbus AFB Things to Do

Where is Columbus AFB?

Visitor Control Center

108 Simler Blvd. Columbus AFB, MS 39705

Phone:

1 (662) 434-7133

Columbus AFB Map

Directions to Columbus AFB

Columbus AFB is found in northeast Mississippi's Lowndes County, just 10 miles west of the Alabama state border. To the south of the base is Columbus, to the north is Hamilton, to the west is the Tombigbee River and West Point, and to the east is Caledonia.

Golden Triangle Regional Airport

The closest airport is Golden Triangle Regional Airport, which is about 25 miles from the base.

Driving Directions From Golden Triangle Regional Airport

1. Take state Route 791 to U.S. Highway 82 east.
2. Take the U.S. Highway 45 exit north to Columbus AFB.

Columbus AFB Transportation Office

Getting ready for a PCS move and in need of some help? Call the Columbus AFB Transportation Office to get started.

Columbus AFB Household Goods and Transportation Office

495 Harpe Blvd. Columbus AFB, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 434-2685 or 1 (662) 434-2688

Columbus AFB Transportation Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0730 to 1630.

Entering Columbus Air Force Base and Amenities

If you do not have a valid military ID, you may have to stop at the Visitor Control Center to gain base access. Click here for more information on the Visitor Control Center at Columbus AFB.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Upon arrival, contact your assigned unit for in-processing instructions and information. Incoming Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training students can contact the Transition Office for in-processing instructions at 1 (662) 434-7618. Incoming SUPT students must attend a base newcomer's brief. The Transition Office will schedule this brief for you during in-processing. For more information on in-processing, visit Columbus AFB's website for new students.

Columbus AFB Visitor Center

The Visitor Control Center issues temporary vehicle passes and can provide directions and information on the base.

Visitor Control Center

108 Simler Blvd. Columbus AFB, MS 39705

Phone:

1 (662) 434-7133

Visitor Control Center Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0730 to 1630.

Columbus AFB Gate Hours

• Main (East) Gate:

  Open 24/7.

• South Gate:

  Open 0600 to 1800 Monday through Friday.

Columbus AFB DEERS

Military Personnel Section

495 Harpe Blvd. Columbus AFB, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 434-3294, 1 (662) 434-2624, or 1 (662) 434-2626

Columbus AFB MPS Office Hours

For more information on making an appointment, visit the website for Columbus AFB civilian and military personnel.

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday -

  0730 to 1530.

• Thursday -

  0930 to 1530.

Columbus AFB Commissary

160 Simler Blvd. Columbus, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 434-7109

Columbus AFB Commissary Hours

• Tuesday -

  0830 to 1900.

• Wednesday -

  0930 to 1800.

• Thursday -

  0930 to 1900.

• Friday and Saturday -

  0830 to 1800.

• Sunday -

  1130 to 1800.

Columbus Air Force Base BX

160 Simler Blvd. Columbus, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 434-6013

Columbus Air Force Base BX Hours

• Monday through Saturday -

  0900 to 1800.

• Sunday

  -

  1000 to 1700.

Columbus AFB Barber Shop

BX Barber Shop

160 Simler Blvd. Columbus, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 434-6699 BX Barber Shop Hours

• Monday through Friday - 0900 to 1700.
• Saturday - 0900 to 1600.
• Sunday - 1200 to 1600.

Columbus AFB Post Office

The closest post offices to Columbus AFB are in Caledonia, Columbus, and Hamilton. Visit the USPS website for other postal service locations.

Caledonia Post Office

650 Main St. Caledonia, MS 39740

Phone:

1 (662) 356-6497

Caledonia Post Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0800 to 1100 and 1230 to 1600.

• Saturday -

  0800 to 0930.

Columbus Post Office

3202 Bluecutt Road Columbus, MS 39705

Phone:

1 (662) 329-1092

Columbus Post Office Hours

Service hours vary. Call for details.

Hamilton Post Office

40462 Highway 45 S. Hamilton, MS 39746

Phone:

1 (662) 343-5532

Hamilton Post Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0800 to 1030 and 1200 to 1600.

• Saturday -

  0800 to 1030.

Columbus AFB Finance

If you're looking for financial advice or assistance on money matters, the talented and professional counselors of the Columbus AFB Airman & Family Readiness Center can help.

Airman & Family Readiness Center

Independence Drive Columbus AFB, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 998-0411

Columbus AFB Personal Financial Management Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0730 to 1630.

Columbus AFB Legal Office

555 Seventh St. Columbus AFB, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 434-7030

Columbus AFB Legal Office Hours

Some legal assistance is available by appointment only. Call the legal office for more information on hours of operation for walk-in and appointment services.

Columbus AFB Library

Building 715, Blaze Commons Columbus AFB, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 434-2934

Columbus AFB Library Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  1000 to 1700.

Columbus AFB Hotels

There are many hotels near Columbus AFB, so you're sure to find one to fit your budget. For a full list of military lodges and affiliated resorts in the area, visit the Department of Defense Lodging website.

The Magnolia Inn

179 Webb St. Columbus AFB, MS 39710

Phone:

1 (662) 434-2548

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide's Columbus AFB Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near Columbus Air Force Base?

Cities Near Columbus AFB

While many military family members call base housing their home, others choose to live in nearby communities. Caledonia, Columbus, Hamilton, and other neighboring communities provide housing, employment, and other services for Columbus AFB military families. The cost of living is lower than the national average in the Columbus AFB region, so rental housing and real estate is reasonable.

Suggested Read: Columbus AFB Housing: 3 On-Base Options

Best Places to Live Near Columbus Air Force Base

Caledonia

The town of Caledonia is just east of Columbus AFB. The city has a population of approximately 1,300 people. Every October, residents celebrate Caledonia Day at Ola J. Pickett Park with an antique car and tractor show, a 5K race, a pageant, live music, arts and crafts vendors, yummy food, children's activities, and more.

Columbus

The city of Columbus is south of the base. The city has a population of approximately 24,000 people. Columbus offers residents a host of recreational opportunities, outdoor activities, cultural events, and big-city amenities. Columbus is home to Lake Lowndes State Park, the colorful Tennessee Williams House Museum & Welcome Center, an arts center, and Mississippi University for Women. The city is also home to the Columbus Speedway, golf courses, the 4.4-mile scenic Columbus Riverwalk, and community parks.

Hot Tip: Look for Columbus AFB homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Columbus AFB Schools

There are many options for your child's education near Columbus AFB. Mississippi offers traditional public schools, as well as public charter schools and private schools. For younger children, there are a variety of local daycares and child care programs on and off base. Children who live on base may attend Columbus Municipal and Lowndes County school districts. There are no DoDEA schools on base. The Columbus AFB school liaison office website has more information on area school districts, registration information, parent resources, and more. The website also has contact information for the base's school liaison officer, who can provide information and guidance on area schools as well as educational resources for your children. Find more local school information at The Best Columbus AFB Schools: Daycare – High School.

Columbus AFB Weather

Columbus AFB has hot, muggy summers and mild winters. In the summer, daytime temperatures can soar to the high 80s and low 90s. In the winter, average highs are in the 50s and 60s and average lows are in the mid to high 30s. Columbus AFB gets about 64 inches of rain annually.

Things to Do Around Columbus AFB

Columbus AFB and the surrounding region are home to many historical sites, museums, art galleries, great restaurants, and vibrant shopping districts. On base, there are a multitude of recreational opportunities, including arts and crafts, bowling, disc golf, fishing, hunting, nature trails, paintball, a riding club, skeet and trap, swimming, and more. Outside the gates, with Columbus nearby, there's no shortage of things to do. Get out and explore!

Suggested Reads:

20 Of the Best Things to Do Near Columbus AFB and 17 of the Best Restaurants Near Columbus AFB  

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Columbus AFB at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Moving to a new base comes with challenges, but Columbus AFB is a great place to call home. Enjoy Southern hospitality when you head to local hangouts, spend the day exploring Columbus, and discover other area gems during your time here.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Last Updated:

9/28/2021