Columbus Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force (Air Education and Training Command)
Location: Columbus, Mississippi (Lowndes County)
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Columbus Air Force Base, established in 1941, is located approximately 10 miles north of Columbus, Mississippi, in the northeastern part of the state. The installation is assigned to Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and serves as a primary undergraduate pilot training (UPT) base. It is home to the 14th Flying Training Wing, which trains both U.S. Air Force and international student pilots on the T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon aircraft.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Conduct Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) to produce rated pilots for the U.S. Air Force and partner nations using the T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon aircraft.
Major Units:
14th Flying Training Wing (14 FTW) — host wing
14th Operations Group
14th Training Group
14th Mission Support Group
14th Medical Group
Multiple undergraduate pilot training squadrons
Tenant Units: International military student officer community (allied nation student pilots in training); Air Force Civilian Career Training; various AETC tenant detachments

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Columbus, MS — approximately 10 miles south; Birmingham, AL — approximately 120 miles east; Memphis, TN — approximately 175 miles northwest
Nearest Commercial Airport: Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) — approximately 15 miles south; Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) — approximately 120 miles east
Gate Access: CAC or valid military ID required; visitor passes issued at the main gate with valid government-issued photo ID and vehicle registration; gate hours vary — contact security forces; visitor escort may be required in some areas

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 2,500-3,500 (including student pilots in training)
Family Members: Approximately 3,500-5,500
Civilian Employees: Approximately 500-1,500
Total Installation Population: Approximately 8,000-12,000

Key Facilities

Medical: 14th Medical Group — primary care clinic on installation; Bryan Medical Center and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus provide emergency and specialty care; nearest military hospital is Keesler Medical Center at Keesler AFB, Biloxi (approximately 4 hours)
Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on installation
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — BX with main store, shoppette, food court, and specialty services
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center; outdoor pool; auto hobby shop; bowling center; golf course; outdoor recreation equipment rentals; Columbus is a small but active community with local parks along the Tombigbee River and Lake Lowndes State Park
Schools: No DoDEA schools on installation; Lowndes County School District and Columbus Municipal School District serve military families; school liaison officer available on installation
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on installation; School Age Program available; waitlists possible — contact CDC upon receipt of orders; the base has a relatively steady population of young families due to student pilot rotations
Veterinary Services: Military veterinary clinic on installation providing routine care, vaccinations, and preventive services for pets of active duty personnel; limited emergency care
Legal Assistance / JAG: 14th Wing Staff Judge Advocate; legal assistance by appointment; walk-in hours available on designated days — contact office for schedule

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities; approximately 700+ housing units; 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom homes; condition ranges from older stock to newer renovated units; relatively low wait times due to stable population
Average Wait Time: Typically 0-3 months for most grades; student pilot families often have shorter stays and may prefer off-base
Off-Base Housing: Columbus and West Point offer very affordable housing; average rent for a 3-bedroom home approximately $800-$1,300/month; home purchase prices well below national average; Starkville (home of Mississippi State University, 25 miles) is popular with military families seeking more amenities
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact the gaining unit or student flight upon receipt of orders; 14 FTW maintains active sponsor programs for inbound permanent party and student personnel
In-Processing: Report to the 14th Force Support Squadron upon arrival; standard in-processing takes approximately 3-5 days; student pilots also complete separate academic and flight orientation
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the A&FRC; Columbus/Lowndes County area has limited specialized medical and educational resources; families with complex special needs should research local availability carefully; Starkville and Tupelo offer additional services

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical; hot humid summers (highs in low-to-mid 90s F), mild winters with occasional frost and rare snow; frequent thunderstorms in spring and summer; moderate to heavy annual rainfall
Cost of Living: Low — one of the most affordable duty stations in the continental U.S.; housing, groceries, dining, and services are significantly below the national average
Nearby Attractions: Columbus historic antebellum district and homes; Tombigbee State Park; Lake Lowndes State Park; Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway for boating and fishing; Mississippi State University in Starkville (25 miles) with college sports and campus events; Memphis (175 miles) for music, dining, and entertainment
Spouse Employment: Columbus/Lowndes County job market is limited; major employers include Toyota Mississippi manufacturing plant, Columbus Regional Healthcare System, local schools, and retail; Mississippi State University in Starkville offers education and some employment; remote work growing among military spouses; commute to Birmingham possible for broader opportunities

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.columbus.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: (662) 434-7322
MWR Website: https://www.columbusafbfss.com/ (or contact installation MWR directly)
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), 14th Force Support Squadron, Columbus AFB — (662) 434-7177

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: columbus.af.mil, 14th Flying Training Wing public affairs, AETC public affairs, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, Balfour Beatty Communities, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law