Keesler gains Sandhill Landing homes Published Sept. 5, 2007 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler's post-Katrina housing shortage is going to lessen with the acquisition of 160 homes formerly occupied by families assigned to Naval Station-Pascagoula. "Keesler is taking over Sandhill Landing Oct. 1," said Michael Reese, 81st Civil Engineer Squadron military housing chief. "A memorandum of understanding between the Air Force and Navy was signed earlier this month." Sandhill Landing, built less than three years ago, is just north of Interstate 10 on Highway 57 in Vancleave, about 22 miles from the base. After the Base Realignment and Closure Committee closed Naval Station-Pascagoula, the housing came under the administration of the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport. After Hurricane Katrina, only 641 of 1,820 Keesler's housing units remained habitable. The first of 1,028 new homes being built should be ready next spring, but Sandhill Landing is a welcome addition to the base's military family housing inventory. All but 10 of the 160 units are townhouses, and the others are single-level handicapped-accessible homes. Twenty-six units are for senior enlisted members, and 134 are for junior enlisted members. Floor plans are the same, with size the only difference. Four-bedroom homes in-clude six 1,802-square-foot senior units and 60 1,610-square-foot junior units. Three-bedroom homes in-clude 20 1,536-square-foot senior units and 74 1,342-square-foot junior units. The city of Gautier provides law enforcement and fire protection, and a maintenance contract will be in place like other base housing areas. Several Keesler families are already at home in Sandhill Landing. After living in lodging without a kitchen for nearly six weeks, Tech. Sgt. Judy Khamphan moved into Sandhill Landing as her family continued to wait on delivery of their household goods. "The house is a lot better than the ones offered on base," said Sergeant Khamphan, a medical information management craftsman with the 81st Medical Support Squadron. "It's very quiet, houses are joined by a garage area so you don't hear the neighbors and there's a jogging track and small lake. "There's lots of storage space," continued the 11-year Air Force member, whose family includes her husband, Mike, and 15-year-old son, Sean. "There are basketball and tennis courts and a playground for kids, but no activity center for teens. "You can't just drive to the base exchange to pick up stuff or come back to work quickly if you forget something," Sergeant Khamphan added. "But with Keesler taking over ownership from the Navy, we'll be able to get things we need from the self-help store -- the Navy didn't have that kind of facility for residents." Staff Sgt. Neal Dykeman, who works in fire truck maintenance for the 81st Transportation Squadron, arrived at Keesler a month ago and lives in Sandhill Landing with his wife, Amie, and 2 1/2-year-old son, Alexander. "This is definitely the nicest base housing I've lived in so far," said Sergeant Dykeman, who's been in the Air Force nearly 10 years. "I like the size and layout of the house. We live far enough out to feel like we're in the middle of nowhere." Airman Basic Lesley Beard, 45th Airlift Squadron after attending technical training at Keesler, is delighted with the Sandhill Landing home she shares with her husband, Brandon. "Being a first-term Airman, we were expecting something more like a shack," Airman Beard admitted. "Our home is like a mansion to us -- to be given a three-bedroom home was great. "It's a 20- to 30-minute drive home, depending on the traffic, so it's not bad," she continued. "There's not much to do near our home, but I feel safe knowing that my neighbors are also military." Families may apply for homes by visiting the family housing office in the back of the former Chapel One adjacent to Sablich Center or calling housing customer service, 228-377-9741.