OUR MISSION

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    


























FEDERAL MISSION. Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) provides an integrated, year-round, realistic training environment for units to cost-effectively enhance their combat capability and readiness by enabling users to accomplish training that cannot be effectively accomplished or not available at their home station. Gulfport CRTC provides a training arena that approximates a deployed, combat-oriented operating location, and providing a realistic setting for deployed training, exercises, evaluations, and inspections.

STATE MISSION. Mississippi National Guardsmen are postured and ready to react to the needs of our state and affected communities in response to natural or manmade disasters. The Mississippi National Guard has unique capabilities that could provide local first responders with additional resources to protect citizens and property, uphold the preservation of peace, order and public safety for the citizens of Mississippi, and fulfill disaster relief and response missions as directed by the Governor. These missions are conducted from many logistical staging areas across the state including Gulfport CRTC.


VISION. To be the preeminent Air National Guard readiness training center.

LOCATION. Gulfport, Mississippi; 277 acres adjacent to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

ABOUT GULFPORT, mISS.

          

Incorporated in 1898, Gulfport is the second largest city in Mississippi after the state capital of Jackson. Gulfport has a humid, subtropical climate and winters are typically short and mild. Gulfport is located in Harrison County and bordered by the city of Biloxi to the east and Long Beach to the west. The University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College all have campuses located within the city limits or close by. To learn more about the city of Gulfport click here

CRTC Org Information

CRTC command relationships imageThe CRTC is subordinate to the MS Joint Force Headquarters, reporting directly to the commander of the Air National Guard. In addition to the Commander’s Support Staff, the CRTC is organized into three directorates: Operations; Mission Support; and Strategic Planning. The Operations directorate includes Air Combat Training Systems, Air-to-Ground Range Operations, Airfield Management, Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE), Munitions, Petroleum, Oil & Lubricants (POL), and Transient Alert. The Mission Support directorate includes Civil Engineering, Materiel Control, Traffic Management Office (TMO), Vehicle Maintenance, Security Forces (SF), and Services. The Strategic Planning directorate includes the Joint Exercise Control Group (JECG), Communications, and Emergency Management.

 
The Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center is committed to community service and being a good neighbor. Many years ago, the Gulfport CRTC "adopted" the Harrison County Child Development Center in Gulfport. The school serves students with special needs. The staff depends on the Mississippi Air National Guardsmen to help the children enjoy activities like field day an trunk-or-treat. The Gulfport CRTC also collects gifts for the special needs children at Christmastime.

                                             

      
During the summer, the base partners with the Harrison County School District to provide a few hours of volunteer labor for improvement projects. The Airmen paint, pressure wash, replace ceiling tiles, sort books and do other tasks intended to help children return to more beautiful campuses in the Fall.

                                                                                              



The Gulfport CRTC shows appreciation to our nation's veterans. Volunteers spend time with residents at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Gulfport CRTC has been a reliable presence at AFRH Veterans Day ceremonies and recreational activities. The Gulfport CRTC commander takes part in the annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Veterans Day parade. The Airmen also organize food drives for local pantries.
 
  


The Gulfport CRTC is located on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast. The base is close to beaches, restaurants, shopping centers, nature parks, museums, live music venues, amusement parks, and tourist attractions. The community also holds parades during Carnival season, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, St. Patrick's Day and Veterans Day.

Many visitors take the opportunity to taste our fresh Gulf seafood which can be found in restaurants or bought directly from local fisherman in small craft harbors. The Gulfport CRTC has an all ranks club, an outdoor track and a fitness center on base. 



To learn more about interesting things to do during your unit's visit click HERE (external link). 

Distance

Camp Shelby - 63 miles
Camp McCain - 269 miles
New Orleans, LA-  80 miles
Mobile, AL - 75 miles
Jackson, MS - 161 miles