BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – The Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center to be located at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi is one step closer to becoming a reality.
An enhanced use lease was signed Friday by Gov. Tate Reeves, Mayor FoFo Gilich, Mississippi State University President Dr. Mark Keenum, and U.S. Air Force leadership.
It’s been six years of collaboration between the state, the city of Biloxi and the U.S. Air Force. Today, the future of cybersecurity in Mississippi is signed, sealed and delivered. The signings of a joint proclamation mean the groundbreaking of a $35 million center is expected in the near future.
“You won’t find anything that integrates collaboration, partnership and coordination like the Mississippi Cyber & Technology Center,” says Col. Bill Pope.
Colonel Pope is the commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base. He says this new addition will forever improve how thousands of military personnel are trained for the nation’s most critical missions.
“Everything we do depends in one way or another on cybersecurity. . . this facility will make us more capable from the start. Every Air Force Airman trained in cybersecurity will be better because this facility is here at Keesler Air Force Base.
“This is a big step forward in what we need to do to fight and compete with the world,” added Mayor Gilich. “Some things we don’t know right now, but we will be prepared.”
The cyber center will take shape next to the base on the south side, near what was once the main entrance on White Avenue. It will be the epicenter of Air Force cybersecurity and will serve as the new headquarters for MSU’s pre-existing cyber initiative program.
“This will have a national impact because of our partnership and affiliation with the U.S. Air Force,” Dr. Keenum said.
Dr. Keenum says courtesy of the U.S. Air Force, cybersecurity and operations Airmen will be able to continue their education through training at the new facility and even online when deployed.
“This Mississippi Cybersecurity and Technology Center only reinforces that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a hub for the nation in this high-tech cyber defense protection space,” he adds.
Colonel Pope expects there will be a groundbreaking ceremony in a few months.
During his opening remarks, Dr. Keenum announced a $3 million donation from Mississippi Power and Southern Company to fund the center’s state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
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