"Excellence" is the watchword of Keesler's largest support organization, the 81st Mission Support Group. Working with a team of more than 1,600 personnel, the Mission Support Group provides administrative, personnel, civil engineering, transportation, morale and welfare, recreational, communications, supply, base security, and contracting services to an estimated 75,000 people who use base facilities and resources with a vision of delivering support excellence to enable Keesler’s mission and quality of life. The ability to bring these resources together for the betterment of Keesler Air Force Base and its populous is why our motto is... Provide proactive and responsive service to base customers!
The 81st Contracting Squadron is comprised of approximately 45 personnel who provide world-class contracting support and superior business solutions to ensure the mission accomplishment of the 81st Training Wing and its tenant units. The squadron is responsible for the acquisition of construction, services, and commodities valued over $100 million annually, and for deploying contingency contracting officers to enable the sustainment of military operations worldwide.
The 81st Security Forces Squadron is responsible for providing law enforcement, investigative, and force protection support for the installation and its three geographically separated family housing areas. Additionally, the 81st Security Forces Squadron provides mission-ready security forces defenders to fulfill combatant commander wartime taskings.
The 81st Communications Squadron provides a network control center capability, including a client service center, network management, server administration and network information assurance services to 10,000 users on Keesler. Also, the squadron enables knowledge operations through such services as records management, content and collaboration management, workflow, electronic communications management and publishing. The squadron further provides technical and systems support for wing communications and computer systems including ground radio, voice networks, airfield systems and secure communications maintenance.
In addition, the 81st Communications Squadron manages activities related to base-level Command, Control, Communications and Computers systems planning: plans support, including mobility/deployment planning, strategic planning and requirements analysis; implementation, including architectures, integration, direction and standards; resources, including budgeting and billing; and human resources/functional management, including agreements and contract management. The squadron is responsible for base-level communication security programs such as Communications Security, Emission Security, and Spectrum Information Assurance.
The 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron provides comprehensive transportation, supply, fuels, and logistics plans support to 52,000 members from all branches of service to Gulf Coast installations, including 2nd largest technical training wing in US Air Force. Responsible for management, maintenance, and disposition of 422 vehicles valued at $29 million. Directs mobility of 2,200 DoD personnel and 180 tons of cargo. Operates largest personal property mission in AETC, serving 100,000 personnel.
The 81st Civil Engineer Squadron ensures Keesler AFB remains a professional, well-maintained installation through close oversight of the Base Operating Support contract, the Custodial contract, and the Refuse and Recycling contract. The CE squadron also provides aircraft and structural firefighting, as well as immediate responses to medical emergencies, hazardous materials spills, and natural disasters via the Keesler Fire Department. In addition, 81st CES partners with Hunt Military Communities to provide safe, comfortable privatized homes and neighborhoods for active-duty airmen and their families, Government civilians, and military retirees through the Keesler Military Housing Office. Finally, 81st CES serves as the Legally Responsible Official for the Keesler potable water system, manages the Keesler Installation Restoration Program, and signs the manifests for all hazardous waste departing the installation. In summary, 81st CES is responsible for providing the planning, development, and execution of programs for Keesler Airmen and their families.
81st Force Support Squadron directs all human resource programs to include military, appropriated and non-appropriated civilians, and manpower in support of approximately 7,000 authorizations. Responsible for off-duty education, first-term Airman training, force development, career counseling and ALS programs, all lodging, dining, outdoor recreation, club, wood and auto hobby shops, marina, fam camp, golf, and bowling operations.