TOUR INFORMATION

Tours to the Air Force Reserve Command's 403rd Wing are offered on a noninterference, case-by-case basis to local civic organizations, schools and youth groups to educate its members about the United States Air Force Reserve and, more specifically, the mission of the 403rd Wing.

What you need to know

Base tours are conducted on a limited basis due to our manning, resource availability and heightened security posture. A tour request does not guarantee a tour will be approved. All scheduled tours are subject to cancellation based on emergency situations, worldwide commitments, real world events, etc.

Tours will be conducted on a noninterference basis only. Public Affairs is required to ensure there is minimal interference with normal training or operational activities, determine if it is economically feasible, and make sure appropriate resources are available.

Requests for tours must be made 30 days in advance, but since we are only able to accommodate two tours per month, more than 30 days notice may be required to secure a slot. No tours will be given on weekends or federal holidays. We also cannot accommodate tours to visit the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron "Hurricane Hunters" from June 1-Nov. 30 due to mission requirements.

Tours are free of charge.

Priority scheduling will be given to Junior ROTC students and other youth groups serving high-school-age students with a recruitment potential. Civic and business organizations are also welcome to request tours to the 403rd Wing. 

Since limitations of time and money make it impossible to grant all requests, public affairs will take all appropriate requests into equal consideration and recommend approval based on common factors that are in the best interests of the Air Force and taxpayer.

Day care, elementary or middle-school-age groups are encouraged to request a speaker from our Speaker's Bureau program to schedule a multimedia presentation in their place of business.

Requests for tours to the 403rd Wing will be handled on a case-by-case basis, but typically the Public Affairs Office cannot accommodate personal tours for friends, family members or those stopping through on vacation, regardless of current or prior military service. However, if an individual has access to the base (a military or DOD civilian ID cardholder) one may visit Keesler Air Force Base.

If your group meets the criteria, please download the tour form here or go to our questions page and send it to 403wg.pa2@us.af.mil. For additional assistance in filling out the form please call 228-377-2056.

TRANSPORTATION

Organizations are responsible for their own transportation. Tours are limited to one busload. Unfortunately, requests to use multiple vehicles cannot be accommodated.

Age

For safety reasons, all participants must be at least 10 years old.

Also for those participants under 18, a general a general talent release DD Form 2830 must be filled out and returned to the 403rd Wing Public Affairs office prior to the tour. This form is to allow 403rd public affairs Reservists to take pictures, use the name of and/or voice of an infant or minor child for official government publications.

TOUR SIZE

Tours are limited to a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 participants due to transportation reasons (one busload) and escort purposes.

See the questions page here for more information about our tours.

Speaker's Bureau program

How do I get someone from the 403rd Wing to speak to my class, community organization, etc.?

REQUESTING A SPEAKER

Groups of more than 40 people, day care, elementary or middle-school-age groups are encouraged to request a speaker from our Speaker's Bureau program to schedule a multimedia presentation in their place of business. 

To do this, please fill out the Speaker Request form here or located under Questions and send it to 403wg.pa2@us.af.mil. For additional assistance in filling out the form please call 228-377-2056.

This form lets the Public Affairs office know the dates you need a speaker, the size and type of audience and the target age group. Be sure to include a point of contact with a good daytime telephone number.  

It would also help to provide some background on the event and specific topics your group would like to hear about. If you are requesting a specific member of the unit or a person with a specific job (pilot, loadmaster, navigator, maintenance, etc.) note this in your request.

AVAILABILTY

All requests are accommodated based on the operational schedule of the 403rd Wing. Even when an event has been scheduled, it is possible that a speaker may have to cancel on short notice due to mission requirements.

Speaking engagements must be scheduled a minimum of 30 days prior to the desired date of the event.

Speakers may not be available for weekend or holiday events.

Requests for speakers from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (Hurricane Hunters) are not possible during the hurricane season, June 1-Nov. 30. Please request a speaker from one of our other squadrons or groups during this very busy time.