Mission 3

10/10/2026

Building a South Mississippi startup with potential applications in defense, cybersecurity, aerospace or maritime technology? This pitch opportunity may be worth exploring.

Innovate Mississippi has extended the application deadline for the InvestMS Scale-Up Pitch, powered by Regions Foundation, to Thursday, October 15.

The opportunity includes $15,000 up for grabs and a chance to pitch live at Accelerate on November 11 before investors and Mississippi’s startup community.

Apply here: https://airtable.com/apppvn16aZIiX97zx/pag06RFjF7oLTjdUg/form

10/09/2026

Cybersecurity awareness matters across South Mississippi’s defense community—from protecting sensitive information to understanding the risks that come with new technology.

For Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network - MAIN is sharing free resources to help individuals and organizations navigate AI and cybersecurity:

• Two online, self-paced courses open to anyone
• A Cybersecurity AI Playbook covering secure systems, AI-enabled threats and incident response
• Adaptable policy guides addressing responsible AI use, data privacy and oversight

Mission 3 encourages our regional businesses and community partners to explore these tools and make cybersecurity part of the conversation when adopting AI.

Visit MAIN’s website and select Free AI Courses, AI Playbooks or Policy Guides: https://mainms.org/

10/08/2026

South Mississippi’s maritime and defense industries need leaders who understand both technology and business.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Coastal Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Scholarship will cover MBA tuition for professionals with an engineering-related degree or engineering-related work experience.

Backed by a five-year grant, the scholarship connects technical expertise with business leadership to help grow the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s blue economy.

Mission 3 welcomes opportunities that strengthen our region’s talent pipeline and help innovators turn their expertise into new businesses and industry growth.

10/07/2026

Mississippi State University has been designated a “Distinguished Military College,” joining four other universities in a new initiative to establish corps of cadets and prepare future military officers.

For Mission 3, this is welcome news for military leadership development in Mississippi. Expanding pathways into service helps strengthen the people behind our nation’s defense mission.

Congratulations to Mississippi State on this recognition!

Photo and story via SuperTalk Mississippi

Read more: https://www.supertalk.fm/secretary-of-war-recognizes-mississippi-state-as-distinguished-military-college

10/01/2026

A new defense and maritime technology investment is coming to South Mississippi. SubSea Craft plans to establish its primary U.S. commercial production center at Port Bienville Industrial Park in Hancock County. The nearly $6.1 million project is expected to create 56 jobs by 2028.

The company develops autonomous maritime technology for defense, security, and commercial customers. At Port Bienville, its team plans to manufacture components for autonomous vessels, conduct testing, and provide technical support.

This is the kind of investment that strengthens South Mississippi’s defense economy and creates opportunities for our workforce in advanced manufacturing and maritime technology.

Read more: https://mississippi.org/news/subsea-craft-locating-operations-in-hancock-county/

09/30/2026

A major space industry development has a South Mississippi connection. Iridium shareholders have approved the company’s proposed acquisition by Rocket Lab. Rocket Lab tests engines for its Neutron rocket at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, while both companies support government and national security missions.

For Mission 3, the news is a reminder of how South Mississippi’s defense and aerospace capabilities connect to work happening across the country and around the world.

The acquisition still requires regulatory approval and is expected to close in 2027.

Read more: https://investor.iridium.com/2026-09-24-Iridium-Stockholders-Approve-Acquisition-by-Rocket-Lab

09/29/2026

Strong relationships with state leaders matter to South Mississippi’s military installations, defense workforce, and military families. We’re glad to see Gulf Coast partners coming together in Jackson for the 2027 Gulf Coast Legislative Reception. Save the date for January 6.

09/17/2026

Magnolia Crucible 2026 brought military, law enforcement, government, critical infrastructure, academic and industry partners together at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center to explore one of today’s most rapidly evolving security challenges: unmanned aircraft systems and counter-UAS technology.

Co-hosted by the Mississippi National Guard, FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mississippi State University, the two-day event included live demonstrations, vendor showcases, panel discussions and opportunities for partners to evaluate emerging technologies in real-world settings.

As one participant told WDAM 7, everyone needs to understand that “we’re all on the same team” when responding to drone-related threats. Magnolia Crucible helped strengthen those relationships before an incident occurs.

Mission 3 was proud to serve on the planning team and provide on-site support for this important event.

Read more from WDAM:

The Mississippi National Guard, the FBI and Mississippi State University are co-hosting the Magnolia Crucible 2026 at Camp Shelby

09/14/2026

Mission 3 was proud to help support Magnolia Crucible, held September 9–10 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.

Led by the Mississippi National Guard, FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mississippi State University, the two-day UAS and counter-UAS event brought together military, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, academic and industry partners for general sessions, operational assessment lanes, tabletop exercises and breakout discussions.

Behind the scenes, Mission 3 served on the planning team, coordinated the Exhibit Hall, managed on-site registration and assisted with food service accommodations—all part of the practical work required to bring an event of this scope together.

Mission 3 board member Pam Moeller also attended and connected with participating organizations, including Camgian.

This collaboration reflects the heart of Mission 3’s work: connecting military installations, industry partners and the South Mississippi communities that support them while strengthening our region’s defense ecosystem.

09/11/2026

Mississippi’s maritime workforce continues to lead the way. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation has redesignated Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education.

The designation recognizes MGCCC’s leadership in shipbuilding apprenticeships, autonomous systems training and defense manufacturing partnerships. Through specialized degree programs, registered apprenticeships and advanced simulation technology, MGCCC is preparing the skilled workforce needed to support shipbuilding and defense operations across the Gulf Coast.

Congratulations to MGCCC on this well-deserved national recognition and its continued commitment to strengthening Mississippi’s defense workforce.

Read more from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration:

Maritime training network expands to 48 institutions to bolster America’s maritime workforce education