Gulf Coast Defense Forum event

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - Leaders from Keesler Air Force Base participated here at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Defense Forum on Dec. 3-4. The event connected Defense Department and state leadership to bring key decision-makers to show DoD’s assets, facilitate communication between military bases with their associated community leaders. The forum highlighted issues of mutual concern, addressed gaps in military value and quality of life, and educated key stakeholders on state-wide defense missions. Some 130 people attended the event, including Richard Hartley, Air Force Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Installations, Environment, and Energy; and Phyllis Bayer, Naval Assistant Secretary, Installations, Energy, and Environment; along with keynote messages from U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) and Gov. Phil Bryant. The forum was a product of the Association of Defense Communities, an organization focused on advancing community-military partnerships. (Source: 81st Training Wing 12/07/18)