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Mississippi Named National Hub for Cyber Operations Training

Conceptual design of the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center at Keesler Air Base.

News Summary

Keesler Air Base in Biloxi, Mississippi has been designated as the national hub for cyber operations training by the U.S. Air Force. This decision, formalized through a joint proclamation, includes plans for the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center—a new facility aimed at enhancing cybersecurity initiatives. With a substantial investment in data centers and partnerships with Mississippi State University, the state is poised for a technological resurgence that will create job opportunities in various high-tech sectors.

Mississippi Takes the Lead in Cyber Operations Training

Exciting news is buzzing around Biloxi, Mississippi, as the U.S. Air Force has officially named Keesler Air Base as the national hub for cyber operations training. This major announcement came with the signing of a joint proclamation on January 10, marking a significant moment for the community and tech enthusiasts alike.

What’s Happening at Keesler Air Base?

The proclamation that made this all possible was signed by leaders from Mississippi State University (MSU), the U.S. Air Force, the City of Biloxi, and Mississippi’s own Governor Tate Reeves. They’re joining forces to establish the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center, a sprawling 100,000-square-foot facility right at Keesler Air Force Base.

This brand-new center is set to become the headquarters for the MSU-led Mississippi Cyber Initiative, designed to boost state and federal cybersecurity capabilities through exciting collaborations and innovations. This initiative is not just a tech project; it symbolizes a broader revolution in the Mississippi economy, focusing on high-tech developments that can secure the future of the state.

An Economic Boom with a Tech Twist

Mississippi is on the brink of a tech renaissance! Recently, there has been a jaw-dropping combined investment of $20 billion in data centers across the state in just the last two years. Mississippi Power Company‘s CEO pointed out that the new Cyber Center is part of a larger series of transformational initiatives to enhance how Mississippi is viewed on the national stage.

Governor Reeves highlighted that this center will not only strengthen Keesler’s mission of training cyber warriors, but it will also serve as a hub for tech companies working in cyber, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. This is not just a win for the military; it’s a win for tech-savvy professionals and job seekers in the area.

Partnerships Driving Change

MSU President Mark E. Keenum praised the Cyber and Technology Center for its importance in tackling critical cybersecurity needs, reinforcing the value of partnerships in achieving these ambitious goals. Collaboration is key, and this project is a shining example of what can happen when academia and military operations come together.

Colonel Billy Pope, commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler, emphasized the base’s commitment to remaining relevant in cyber operations training for generations to come. With many changes on the horizon, this is only the beginning of what Mississippi can expect.

Looking Ahead

Before the Cyber Center announcement, there was already exciting news in the works. A massive $10 billion project for a new hyperscale data center campus in Meridian was revealed, along with a similar investment for a tech hub in Madison County. Separately, a $2.5 billion investment by Steel Dynamics, Inc. was also approved in 2023, promising to create around 1,000 jobs with impressive average salaries near $100,000.

The collaborative effort to bring the Cyber Center to life includes an enhanced use lease agreement between the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the MSU Research and Technology Corporation. This partnership is setting the foundation for exciting developments that could place Mississippi firmly on the tech map.

In Conclusion

As Mississippi dives headfirst into these transformative projects, the future looks bright. With Keesler Air Base leading the charge in cyber operations training, the state is positioning itself as a major player in the tech and cybersecurity realms. The excitement is palpable, and everyone is eagerly waiting to see how this journey unfolds!