Keesler AFB Future Uncertain

Hurricane Katrina devastated Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., said officials. Brig. Gen. William T. Lord, the 81st Training Wing commander, said the base is evacuating people who no longer have a mission at the base, “since we can’t do technical training in facilities that are destroyed.” He added that training at the base might not start again until March or later. The Air Force is evacuating students to other bases. Base personnel with no damage to their homes may elect to stay at the base until they receive an assignment or they may await reassignment at an AETC base that can lodge them. The Air Force has cancelled all assignments to Keesler. In addition, individuals assigned to the base who have not returned should not return. Instead, they should call (800) 435-9941 for instructions.