Keesler Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Biloxi, Mississippi. It is home to the 81st Training Wing and provides technical training. This guide covers access, housing, services, schools, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Keesler Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address 500 Fisher St. RM 110, Keesler AFB, MS 39534-2554
Main phone number 228-376-8728
Visitor Center phone 228-377-3844
Official website Keesler Air Force Base

Location and Directions

Keesler is in Biloxi on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, next to the Back Bay of Biloxi and near the Gulf Coast beaches. Visitors should use the Division Street Visitor Center - Pass & Registration at 1 Tingle St., Keesler AFB, MS 39534-2147, for installation access and pass processing. Check the official installation information for current gate directions before driving to the base.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends, AETC family days, and federal holidays. Non-DoD visitors need sponsor verification and an installation pass. Only valid DoD identification-card holders may sponsor visitors.

Bring a REAL ID-compliant identification card, driver's license, vehicle insurance, and vehicle registration when needed. The sponsor must direct guests to the Visitor Center. Hours, gate operations, and access rules can change, so confirm them with the Visitor Center before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

The Inns of Keesler provides on-base lodging and temporary lodging facilities. Reservations assistance is listed during weekday business hours, and the lodging phone number is 228-377-4900. Privatized family housing is available on base, but families should confirm eligibility, availability, and wait times with the housing office or provider. Non-prior-service students stay in on-base dormitories, while prior-service student lodging depends on availability and chain-of-command coordination. Fisher Houses are available for eligible families receiving medical treatment.

Facilities and Services

Service What is available
Shopping and daily needs Commissary, exchange, shoppette, food court, post office, bank or credit union services, barber and beauty services, and automotive services
Family support Relocation, employment, financial, transition, and family readiness help through the Military and Family Readiness Center
Legal help Legal support and advice from the Keesler Office of the Staff Judge Advocate for commanders, service members, and eligible families

Emergency services are available around the clock. Keesler also has fire, security, and ambulance services. The 81st Training Wing provides technical training in fields such as electronics, computers, maintenance, weather, personnel, and information management.

Schools and Childcare

The Child Development Center provides full-time care Monday through Friday for children from 6 weeks through 5 years old. Immunization and other requirements apply. Air Force-licensed providers on or near Keesler offer full- and part-time childcare.

Youth services include school-age care and youth programs. Keesler also provides school liaison and school-age support for military families. Families should contact Keesler Child and Youth Services and local Mississippi Gulf Coast school districts for current program, enrollment, age, and fee information.

Medical Services

Keesler Medical Group and Keesler Medical Center provide family health, pediatrics, women's health, mental health, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, dental care, optometry, specialty care, and other services. Patients should contact the correct clinic or use the medical group's current information for appointments, referrals, hours, eligibility, and service availability. Patient support includes a patient advocate, nurse advice line, pharmacy services, and MHS GENESIS help.

Recreation and Amenities

Keesler has fitness centers, a bowling center, golf course, marina, swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, arts and crafts facilities, an auto hobby shop, and outdoor recreation programs. The base also offers youth programs, sports, family activities, classes, tournaments, and equipment rentals. Hours, reservations, seasonal operations, eligibility, and access rules vary by facility.

Things to Know

  • Keesler is home to the 81st Training Wing and trains Air Force, other DoD, allied, and civilian personnel.
  • Cell phone use is prohibited while driving on base.
  • Keesler is on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, so follow local hurricane-season shelter or evacuation instructions.
  • Confirm visitor access, office hours, eligibility, and services before traveling because details can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Keesler Air Force Base?
It is in Biloxi, Mississippi, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
What phone number should I use for the Visitor Center?
Call 228-377-3844.
What do visitors need to enter Keesler?
Non-DoD visitors need sponsor verification, an installation pass, and required identification and vehicle documents.
Does Keesler have on-base lodging?
Yes. The Inns of Keesler provides on-base and temporary lodging. Call 228-377-4900 for lodging assistance.
Does Keesler provide childcare?
Yes. The Child Development Center, licensed family childcare providers, and youth services offer different care and program options.