KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Keesler Air Force Base, located on the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi! Like many bases in the US, Keesler can trace its origins to World War II when it was established as an Army Air Corps Station for basic training as well as technical aircrew training and special flying training. The base again supported the buildup of training during the Korean War and, during the Vietnam War, began to shift away from flying training to more technology-based technical training. Today the base remains one of the Air Force’s largest technical training wings. The base is under the control of the Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and home to the 81st Training Wing and 403rd Wing. It boasts a population of around 7,000 active-duty personnel. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Keesler Air Force Base to help aid you in your transition to your new home. 1. Where Is Keesler AFB? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Base 4. Entering Keesler AFB and Base Amenities

￮ Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel ￮ Keesler AFB Visitor Center ￮ Keesler AFB DEERS Office ￮ Keesler AFB Gate Hours ￮ Keesler AFB Commissary ￮ Keesler AFB Exchange ￮ Keesler AFB Barber Shops ￮ Keesler AFB Post Office ￮ Keesler AFB Finance Office ￮ Keesler AFB Legal Office ￮ Keesler AFB Library ￮ Keesler AFB Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Keesler AFB? 6. What Schools are Near Keesler AFB? 7. What’s the Weather Like in Keesler AFB? 8. Things to Do Near Keesler AFB

Where Is Keesler Air Force Base?

The base is located just west of the town of Biloxi, Mississippi along the Gulf Coast.

Keesler Air Force Base

4503 M St Biloxi, MS 39530

Phone:

1 (228) 377-1110

Keesler AFB Map

Keesler AFB Directions

Driving Directions to Keesler AFB

From Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport of New Orleans Airport (From the West)

1. Take I-10 East
2. Take exit 38 for MS-605 toward Cowan Rd/Bernard Bayou Industrial District/Lorraine
3. Turn Left onto E Pass Rd and continue 5.6 mi to Ploesti Dr
4. Follow signs to Keesler Air Force Base

From Mobile Airport (From the East)

1. Take I-10 West
2. Take exit 1B and proceed to I-110 South and cross the bridge
3. Turn right on US-90 W/Beach Blvd
4. Continue 2.4 miles then turn right onto Iberville Dr
5. Turn right onto Pass Rd
6. Turn left onto Ploesti Rd
7. Follow signs for Keesler Air Force Base

Flights to Keesler AFB

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the nearest airport to Keesler AFB. Mobile Regional and New Orleans Airport are both one hour away with New Orleans one hour west and Mobile one hour east.

Greyhound Bus

Visit their website for up-to-date ticket and travel information.

Biloxi Greyhound Bus Station

820 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Biloxi, MS 39530

Keesler Amtrak

There is no direct train service to the Biloxi area.

Keesler AFB Transportation Office

When moving, the Personal Property Processing Office (PPPO) will arrange for the delivery of your household goods. Whether you are doing a Do it yourself (DITY) or government move with a moving company, PPPO will organize all aspects of your move and is where you will submit your claim for reimbursement for the move.

Keesler AFB Personal Property Processing Office (PPPO)

500 Fisher St, Room 114 Biloxi, MS, 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 376-8533 or 1 (228) 376-8530

Keesler AFB PPPO Office Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0800-1500 by appointment only

Entering Keesler Air Force Base and Amenities

Guards will conduct a 100% ID check at all gates. All visitors must have a valid military ID or proceed to the visitor control center for a pass. Due to current COVID measures, be sure to show your IDs with the barcodes facing the guard so that they may scan them without touching them. Pass information and entry requirements can be found here.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

All permanent party personnel will check-in at their assigned unit. If arriving on weekends or after hours, the official check-in point is Tyler House. Report to the Visitors Center at White Gate to be directed by the guard. Contact your sponsor and report to your unit at the assigned time in the proper uniform. You will then need to file your travel claims at PPPO and sign for housing unless living off-base. All newcomers receive a welcome brief which is held monthly. You will be directed to the appropriate processing section and should bring:

• 10 Copies of your orders
• Medical and dental record
• Military ID and driver's license
• Dependent information (marriage certificate if you got married in transit, childrens’ birth certificates, etc.)

For Technical Training Students, you will arrive by plane or bus from Lackland AFB. All in-processing is accomplished by the Student Personnel Center in the Levitow Building upon arrival.

Keesler Air Force Base Visitor Center

Keesler AFB Visitors Center 310 M St, White Ave Gate, Bldg 4605 Biloxi, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 377-3844

Keesler AFB DEERS Office

In order to schedule an appointment with the ID Card or DEERS office, use this link. Walk-ins are welcome between 0800-1630 Monday through Thursday. Appointments only and Fridays.

Keesler AFB ID Card Section/DEERS

500 Fisher St, Room 125, Bldg 701 Biloxi, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 376-8437 or 1 (228) 376-8738

Keesler AFB DEERS Office Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0800-1630

Keesler AFB Gate Hours

You must have a valid driver’s license, valid insurance, paper registration, smog check for any vehicle registered outside of California. Motorcycles require a valid motorcycle license and BRC/ARC certification.

• White Ave (Main Gate) -

  24/7

• Old Pass Rd Gate -

  24/7

• Meadow Dr Gate -

  Monday through Friday 0530 to 1800

Keesler Commissary

Pick up groceries, dine, and shop in the department store-style exchanges located conveniently on base.

Keesler AFB Commissary

508 Larcher Blvd Biloxi, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 377-4288

Keesler Commissary Hours

• Daily:

  0900-1900

Keesler Main BX

506 Larcher Blvd, Bldg 2306 Biloxi, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 435-2524

Keesler AFB Exchange Hours

• Monday through Saturday:

  0900-1800

• Sunday:

  1000-1700

Barber Shops Keesler AFB

1. Main Exchange Barbershop

506 Larcher, Blvd, Bldg 2306 Biloxi, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 436-9505

Hours:

• Monday through Saturday:

  0900-1900

• Sunday:

  1000-1700

2. Triangle Barbershop

Ploesti St, Triangle Mini Mall, Bldg 6970 Biloxi, MS 39530

Phone:

1 (228) 436-6608

Hours:

• Monday through Friday:

  0900-2000

• Saturday:

  1000-1800

• Sunday:

  1000-1700

3. Barbershop Express

Meadows Dr, Bldg 1510 Biloxi, MS 39530

Phone:

1 (228) 435-7590

Hours:

• Monday through Friday:

  0800-1700

Keesler AFB Post Office

Get your letters and packages delivered where they need to go properly and on time with the help of the Keesler AFB Post Office.

Keesler AFB Post Office

201 Meadows Dr Keesler AFB, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 374-7276

Hours:

• Monday through Friday:

  0900-1600
• PO Boxes accessible 24/7

Keesler AFB Finance Office

The Finance Office offers financial help to all service members and their families. Please call ahead to make an appointment.

Keesler AFB Personal Financial Management

500 Fisher St, Bldg 0701, Room 103 Biloxi, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 376-8225

Keesler AFB Finance Office Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0800-1500

Keesler AFB Legal Office

Active duty, dependents, and retirees are eligible for legal assistance in most areas. For a full list of what services the office can perform and which services on which they can only provide legal advice, check their website here.

Legal Services Office

500 Fisher St Sablich Center Bldg 0701, Room 227 Biloxi, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 376-8601

Keesler AFB Legal Office Walk In Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0800 to 1630.

• Walk-ins:

  Monday 1400-1600, Wednesday 0900-1100

Keesler AFB Library

The Digital Library is located in the Vandenberg Commons. It is open to all active-duty members, retirees, family members and DoD civilians. There is free WiFi and computers available.

Keesler AFB Library

107 Galaxy St, Bldg 7503 Biloxi, MS 39530

Phone:

1 (228) 377-3308

Hours:

• Monday through Thursday:

  1200-2100

• Friday through Sunday:

  0900-1800

Keesler AFB Hotels

The Inns of Keesler Fisher St Bldg 0470 Biloxi, MS 39534

Phone:

1 (228) 374-0088

Hours:

24/7

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

Where Should I Live Near Keesler Air Force Base?

If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.

Cities Near Keesler Air Force Base

Keesler AFB is located just west of downtown Biloxi. It sits between the communities of Gulfport, Biloxi, and Ocean Springs. It is a very short commute from Biloxi (less than three miles). The base is surrounded by the major freeway, the I-110 as well as Highway 90 making the commute quick from any direction.

Best Places to Live Near Keesler Air Force Base

Ocean Springs, MS

With a population of around 17,000, this community is about two miles east of Biloxi. Houses in the area start around $189,000 for a three bedroom, two bath. Rentals start as low as $555 for a one bedroom unit.

Biloxi, MS

A town of 45,000 residents, it is the seat of Harrison County and the third largest city in the state. It is located just three miles from the base making the commute very easy and popular with military families. The economy is based on seafood, gaming, and tourism so it’s a fun town if you’re into gambling and nights out on the town. Houses start around $329,000 for a two bed two bath while rentals start around $625 for a one bedroom unit.

Gulfport, MS

The second-largest city in Mississippi with a population of 71,000, it is just 14 miles to base. Besides the Air Force Base, there is a sizable Navy presence as well making it a very military-friendly town. Houses start around $112,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, and rentals start at $555 for a one bedroom.

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

Keesler AFB Schools

As there are no DoD schools on base, students who live on the base will attend school in the Biloxi Public School District.

Biloxi Public School District

160 St Peter St Biloxi, MS 39530

Phone:

1 (228) 374-1810 This school district has six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. You can view the school system’s annual report card here.

Gulfport School District

2001 Pass Rd Gulfport, MS 39501

Phone:

1 (228) 865-4600 This school district has six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and a learning center.

Weather Keesler AFB

The weather in Biloxi is typical of the deep south and the Gulf Coast. The summers are long, hot, and humid while the winters are cold and windy. Summer lows are in the low 70s while highs are in the high 80s with very high humidity and the chance of rain from June through September. Fall lows are in the 50s and highs in the 70s. The winters are windy with brisk breezes off the water. The lows are in the mid-40s and highs in the high 50s. Spring lows are in the 60s and highs in the high 70s. You’ll want to have good rain and wind protection a good portion of the year and expect a lot of cloud cover. The Gulf waters are very warm (80-85 degrees) in the summer and as low as 59 degrees in the winter so you’ll want a wetsuit if you plan to go in.

Things to Do Near Keesler AFB

Outdoor Activities

The Gulf Coast beaches are great for water sport and lounging during the warmer months. There is very little surf but the fishing is abundant. The water is shallow and great for wading and children. The beaches have fine white sand and blue water that is beautiful on a hot, sunny day. Take a lovely stroll down to the Biloxi Lighthouse or walk over the Biloxi Bay Bridge.

Shopping and Entertainment

The big attractions in the Biloxi area are the resort casinos. Have a big night out and do some gambling or shopping at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Beau Rivage Casino, or catch a baseball game at MGM Park, home of the Biloxi Shuckers. For live music and events, you can check out the Beau Rivage Theater.

Suggested Read:

21 Of the Best Things to Do Near Keesler AFB

Restaurants Near Keesler AFB

Here are three top restaurants located near the base recommended by TripAdvisor.

1. Half Shell Oyster House of Biloxi,

American, Cajun, Brew, Pub 125 Lameuse St Biloxi, MS 39530

Phone:

1 (228) 432-5050 A must-visit place for crab cakes, gumbo, seafood platters, oysters, and quality drinks.

2. Taranto’s Crawfish,

American, Cajun & Creole, Seafood 12404 John Lee Rd Biloxi, MS 39532

Phone:

1 (228) 392-0990 Another excellent seafood shack for giant shrimp, crab legs, gumbo, steaks, and lunch specials.

3. Mary Mahoney’s Old French House

, French 110 Rue Magnolia Biloxi, MS 39530

Phone:

1 (228) 374-0163 With both traditional cajun and French food, there are plenty of options. Gulf Coast Seafood and crab claws with fried shrimp, this spot is highly recommended. Looking to explore more options? Check out our blog, 25 of the Best Keesler AFB Restaurants.

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

Conclusion

Welcome to the Gulf Coast. This is an exciting place to be, especially if you enjoy water sports or enjoy resorts and casinos. With its proximity to both New Orleans and Mobile, there is no shortage of things to do on a weekend so enjoy your time and get out exploring! There are plenty of resources to help get you settled quickly when moving to a new duty station. Be sure to check all the ones listed above and also reach out to the other families in your new unit for local knowledge. Enjoy your new home!  

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