Mission 3

05/28/2026

Innovation and entrepreneurship are critical to strengthening our region’s future — including the future of our defense and technology economy.

Mission 3 was proud to support and attend the 2026 StartUP Gulf Coast Pitch Competition during Innovation Week, where entrepreneurs from across Coastal Mississippi shared innovative ideas, emerging technologies, and growing businesses that are helping shape the future of our region.

Congratulations to all of the founders who pitched, and especially this year’s winners:

Main Street Track:
🥇 Light Carriers
🥈 Smokin Guns
🥉 Tailor-Made Tours

Tech Track:
🥇 Prosentra
🥈 Codify AI
🥉 BVY

We’re especially encouraged to see continued momentum around technology, innovation, workforce development, and problem-solving across the Gulf Coast — all of which play an important role in building resilient communities and supporting the broader defense innovation ecosystem.

Thank you to StartUp Gulf Coast, Gulf Coast Business Council, Innovate Mississippi, judges, mentors, and community partners for investing in the next generation of Gulf Coast innovators.

05/17/2026

05/12/2026

The Port of Gulfport continues to prove why South Mississippi is critical to our nation’s future. The Port has been awarded an $11.25 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant to strengthen infrastructure, expand intermodal capacity, improve resilience, and support both defense and commercial operations along the Gulf Coast.

As U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker said:

"The Port of Gulfport is a key American Strategic Seaport and a vital piece of our national security infrastructure. These improvements will strengthen the Port’s defense mission and increase its commercial operations capacity. Gulfport remains crucial in improving U.S. national security, increasing opportunities for job creators and leading in maritime innovation.”

This investment reinforces the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s growing role in defense, logistics, maritime innovation, and the Blue Economy... all areas central to Mission 3’s focus on strengthening military, industry, and community partnerships across South Mississippi.

Read more from the Port of Gulfport:

Gulfport, Mississippi – The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration has awarded the Port of Gulfport $11.25 million in grant funds from the 2025 Port Infrastructure Development Program. The award will fund a $24.5 million project that strengthens the Port’s role in national def...

05/11/2026

Mississippi can compete anywhere.

“Mississippi can compete with anybody, anywhere in the world… and win.” — Governor Tate Reeves

We’re seeing that play out across the Gulf Coast every day — through shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and the people behind it all.

From global investment to local workforce growth, the momentum is real — and it’s being built right here at home.

Image from Mississippi Development Authority

05/08/2026

What makes a region ready for what’s next?

In Jackson County, Mississippi, it starts with alignment — a strong workforce, diverse industries, strategic location, and real collaboration between public and private partners.

Together, these strengths support key sectors like shipbuilding, aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing, and research — all critical to the Gulf Coast’s role in national defense and economic growth.

When these pieces work together, it creates something bigger: a region that can attract investment, support innovation, and stay competitive for the long term.

That foundation is what allows everything else to move forward.

Images by Jackson County Economic Development Foundation

05/07/2026

AI is changing how work gets done — across every industry.

The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network - MAIN is hosting an upcoming webinar on how tools like xAI’s Grok are being used for collaboration, project development, and real-world applications.

📅 May 14
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM
💻 Online

Sessions like this help build the skills and awareness needed to keep Mississippi’s workforce competitive — especially as AI continues to shape everything from business operations to national security.

If you’re exploring how AI fits into your work, this is a great place to start.

Register here:

Join us online to explore how xAI (Grok) is shaping the future of AI right here in Mississippi!

05/06/2026

Global partnerships. Local impact. Governor Tate Reeves recently met with the U.S. Department of Commerce and leading shipbuilders in Japan — continuing conversations that are helping drive major investment into Mississippi.

The result so far: $85 billion in new capital investment and thousands of high-paying jobs across the state.

For the Gulf Coast, this kind of momentum supports the industries that power our region — including shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and defense.

Growth at this level strengthens both our economy and our long-term capacity to support national priorities.

05/05/2026

A $283 million contract. Built right here on the Gulf Coast. Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII) has been selected by the U.S. Navy to support early work on the next-generation FF(X) frigate program — including design, materials, and pre-construction for the first ship.

This program will play a key role in the Navy’s future fleet, adding smaller, more agile vessels designed to expand operational flexibility around the world.

For our region, it means continued demand for skilled workers, sustained investment in shipbuilding, and a stronger position in the national defense supply chain.

This kind of work keeps the Gulf Coast at the center of what’s next.

Read more: https://www.hii.com/news/hiis-ingalls-shipbuilding-is-awarded-frigate-lead-yard-support-contract

05/04/2026

A major milestone for American shipbuilding — and for our nation’s defense. Bollinger Shipyards recently launched the USNS Robert Ballard (T-AGS 67), advancing critical ocean surveillance capabilities for the U.S. Navy.

Moments like this highlight the strength of our maritime industrial base — and the skilled workforce behind it.

For the Gulf Coast, shipbuilding isn’t just an industry. It’s a cornerstone of our defense ecosystem, supporting national security, driving economic growth, and creating high-impact careers across the region.

This is what Mission 3 looks like in action.

Image via Bollinger Shipyards

05/02/2026

Looking for a summer job with real experience? Keesler Air Force Base is hiring students for its 2026 Summer Hire Program — offering paid positions right here on the Gulf Coast.

Opportunities include:
• Administrative (Clerk) roles
• General labor positions
• Pay ranging from $17–$19/hour

Open to students 16+ who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in school.

This is more than a summer job — it’s a chance to gain experience, build skills, and get exposure to careers connected to one of the Coast’s most important military installations.

Apply by April 29
Email: [email protected]

View openings on USAJOBS:
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/855771300
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/855793700

Building the next generation of our workforce starts here.