Kemberly Groue
Leaders from across Mississippi and the U.S. Air Force gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center on Aug. 19, 2025, in Biloxi, Mississippi. The 100,000-square-foot facility will serve as a regional hub for cybersecurity and advanced technology development.
The center will be constructed through an enhanced use lease agreement between the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation, enabling the lease of 14.8 acres of underutilized, Air Force-managed land at Keesler Air Force Base.
The MCTC is a key component of the Mississippi Cyber Initiative, which aims to deliver timely cybersecurity training, promote workforce development, and foster innovation through partnerships with military, academic, and industry stakeholders. The facility will provide in-kind consideration valued at $735,365 annually to the Air Force, including exclusive access to office and classroom space, event hosting, and use of specialized labs.
U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Robinson, 81st Training Wing commander, delivers remarks during the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center groundbreaking ceremony inside the Biloxi Visitors Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, Aug. 19, 2025. The 100,000-square-foot center will be located in Biloxi, adjacent to Keesler Air Force Base and will be managed by the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue) 
Tyrone Scott, 81st Training Wing historian, attends the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center groundbreaking ceremony inside the Biloxi Visitors Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, Aug. 19, 2025. The 100,000-square-foot center will be located in Biloxi, adjacent to Keesler Air Force Base and will be managed by the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue) 
The Honorable Tate Reeves, governor of Mississippi, delivers remarks during the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center groundbreaking ceremony inside the Biloxi Visitors Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, Aug. 19, 2025. The center will serve as the heart of the statewide Mississippi Cyber Initiative ecosystem, with complimentary capabilities across the state. The 100,000-square-foot building will contain space for MCI personnel, Air Force training, an event space and secure office space available for private industry partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue) 
The Honorable Tate Reeves, governor of Mississippi, attends the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center groundbreaking ceremony inside the Biloxi Visitors Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, Aug. 19, 2025. The center, managed by the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation, will serve as the heart of the statewide Mississippi Cyber Initiative ecosystem, providing capabilities across the state. The 100,000-square-foot building will include space for MCI personnel, Air Force training, an event area and secure office space available for private industry partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue) 
Keesler Air Force Base personnel attend the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center groundbreaking ceremony inside the Biloxi Visitors Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, Aug. 19, 2025. The center, managed by the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation, will serve as the heart of the statewide Mississippi Cyber Initiative ecosystem, providing capabilities across the state. The 100,000-square-foot building will include space for MCI personnel, Air Force training, an event area and secure office space available for private industry partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue) 
The Honorable Tate Reeves, governor of Mississippi, commanders from Keesler Air Force Base, representatives from Mississippi State University and Mississippi Power and local officials pose for a group photo during the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center groundbreaking ceremony in Biloxi, Mississippi, Aug. 19, 2025. Reeves was joined by U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Robinson, 81st Training Wing commander; Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, Second Air Force commander. The 100,000-square-foot center will be located in Biloxi, adjacent to Keesler Air Force Base and will be managed by the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue) 
The Honorable Tate Reeves, governor of Mississippi, commanders from Keesler Air Force Base, representatives from Mississippi State University and Mississippi Power and local officials pose for a group photo during the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center groundbreaking ceremony in Biloxi, Mississippi, Aug. 19, 2025. Reeves was joined by U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Robinson, 81st Training Wing commander; Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, Second Air Force commander. The 100,000-square-foot center will be located in Biloxi, adjacent to Keesler Air Force Base and will be managed by the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)