Mission 3

09/05/2026

Defense readiness depends not only on the strength of our military installations, but also on the infrastructure supporting South Mississippi’s defense and aerospace industries.

Continued progress on the North Apron and Taxiway Connector Project at Trent Lott International Airport represents an important investment in the region’s aviation capacity. By expanding aircraft parking, improving airfield access and creating space for future hangar development, the project will help the airport pursue new commercial, industrial and military opportunities.

Investments like this strengthen regional competitiveness, support job creation and reinforce South Mississippi’s role in America’s defense economy.

09/04/2026

Keeping South Mississippi’s military installations strong starts with ensuring national leaders understand their missions, needs and opportunities firsthand.

Mission 3 is pleased to see congressional staff members from U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker’s office visit Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, where Capt. Tate Metlen highlighted the installation’s Battalion Maintenance Facility and the latest progress on the Colmer Dining Facility’s galley transformation initiative.

Direct engagement like this helps ensure our installations receive the visibility and support needed to serve military personnel, strengthen their missions and continue contributing to our national defense.

09/03/2026

From Army Air Corps Station No. 8 to one of South Mississippi’s most vital military installations, Keesler Air Force Base’s 85-year history is deeply woven into the story of our region.

Mission 3 is proud to celebrate this milestone and the generations of military members, civilian employees and local families who have shaped Keesler’s legacy.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DcgU5QH3W/

09/02/2026

Mission 3 is looking for a coalition builder, regional strategist and results-driven leader to serve as our next Executive Director.

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in economic development, community development or regional planning, along with the ability to work effectively with military leaders, businesses, local governments and institutional partners.

Experience with defense-related industries, multi-jurisdictional initiatives, workforce systems, infrastructure, placemaking or military quality-of-life issues is especially valuable.

Compensation includes an annual salary based on qualifications and experience, executive allowances and the potential for performance incentives tied to measurable outcomes.

View the full position description:https://msgcbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/M3-Job-Description_Final.pdf

To be considered, email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. The application will close on Friday, September 4th at 5pm.

09/01/2026

This October, NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center will celebrate 65 years of powering America’s journey to space. 🚀

On October 25, 1961, NASA announced plans to build a rocket propulsion test site in Hancock County, Mississippi. Today, Stennis remains essential to our nation’s space program as NASA prepares to return American astronauts to the Moon through Artemis and establish an enduring presence on the lunar surface.

This milestone is also a celebration of the people, communities and generations of expertise that have made South Mississippi a vital part of America’s leadership in space.

Over the next several weeks, NASA Stennis will revisit the moments that shaped its remarkable history. Before the first highlight launches, tell us: What is your favorite memory, fun fact or personal connection to NASA Stennis?

08/28/2026

A major opportunity is taking shape for Mississippi’s defense and innovation ecosystem. SOFWERX, in collaboration with the U.S. Special Operations Command Joint Acquisition Task Force, is working to establish an Autonomous Warfare Proving Ground at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center.

The initiative would build upon Stennis’ unique air, land and maritime testing environment to support the integration, testing and employment of all-domain unmanned systems. Plans include expanding range capabilities, improving facilities, establishing autonomous-systems laboratories and integrating industry, academia and national laboratories.

Interested organizations with relevant capabilities are encouraged to review the upcoming assessment-event timeline, which lists a submission phase through September 18 and a virtual Q&A on September 2.

This initiative has the potential to strengthen national defense readiness while bringing new partnerships, investment and technical opportunities to Mississippi.

Learn more: https://events.sofwerx.org/autonomous-warfare-proving-ground

https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/05/27/pentagon-eyes-drone-testing-ground-in-mississippi/

U.S. Special Operations Command is looking to build a new testing ground for drones in Mississippi.

08/27/2026

What will Mission 3’s next Executive Director help accomplish?
• Strengthen relationships between military leadership and South Mississippi communities
• Align housing, infrastructure, workforce, education and childcare priorities with military mission needs
• Build sustainable workforce pipelines for the military and defense industries
• Advance military spouse employment and veteran workforce integration
• Attract new investment and support the growth of the regional defense industrial base
• Represent Mission 3 at the local, state and federal levels

We are looking for a strategic leader who is equally comfortable building a regional vision and turning that vision into measurable results.

Learn more:https://msgcbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/M3-Job-Description_Final.pdf

Submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. The application will close on Friday, September 4th at 5pm.

08/26/2026

Workforce development becomes mission readiness when it prepares people to fill critical military needs. The University of Southern Mississippi has partnered with its Army and Air Force ROTC programs to create a new pathway for cadets pursuing nursing careers.

Each year, qualified cadets will have access to reserved spaces in Southern Miss’ Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. After completing their education and ROTC requirements, graduates will be prepared to serve as commissioned nursing officers.

This partnership supports students, strengthens the military medical workforce and creates another meaningful connection between the Pine Belt and our nation’s defense mission.

Learn more:

The University of Southern Mississippi is helping address the growing need for military nurses through a new partnership between the College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Army and Air Force ROTC programs offered through the Department of Military Science and Department of Aerospace Studi...

08/25/2026

A historic South Mississippi test stand will help power the next era of American space exploration. NASA and Blue Origin have reached an agreement to conduct second-stage hot-fire testing for the New Glenn rocket at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center.

Testing at the B-2 Test Stand is expected to support future Artemis missions and America’s efforts to return astronauts to the Moon, establish a sustained lunar presence and prepare for missions to Mars.

Stennis helped take Americans to the Moon during Apollo. Today, its infrastructure, technical workforce and commercial partnerships are helping lead America back.

Learn more:

NASA and Blue Origin announced Friday they recently agreed to conduct second stage hot fire testing for the company’s New Glenn rocket on the B-2 test stand

08/24/2026

Strong military installations and strong host communities support one another. The proposed Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act would allow the U.S. Coast Guard to enter into cooperative service agreements with local governments for needs such as childcare, public transportation, waste removal and other installation-support services.

Other military branches already use similar agreements to improve services, reduce costs and build stronger relationships with their surrounding communities.

With Coast Guard personnel serving in Gulfport, Pascagoula and other Mississippi communities, this proposal is especially relevant to our state.

Creating practical connections between installations and the communities around them is central to the Mission 3 purpose.

Learn more: https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-backs-push-allow-us-coast-guard-community-partnerships