Saluting South Mississippi's Military

31st annual Salute to the Military in Biloxi

As President Obama continues to debate whether to send more troops to Afghanistan, the Gulf Coast took time last night to salute all branches of the military. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports.

Over 1000 people gathered last night in Biloxi for the 31st annual Salute to the Military. There are currently 7000 Mississippians serving in Iraq, and many more in Afghanistan. South Mississippi has a wide range of military installations, including Keesler Air force base in Biloxi, Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, and the Navy’s Seabee base in Gulfport. Admiral Gary Roughhead, Chief of Naval Operations was one of those who attended last night’s event. He says South Mississippi is an incredible asset for the Navy,

“When you consider the work that is done in Mississippi and on the gulf coast, this is where our Navy takes form. The shipbuilding industry that is down here, in the next few weeks we are going to commission four ships on the gulf coast that go into the Navy. So we in a sense kind of begin here.”

While the vast majority of people stationed in Mississippi are from somewhere else, 4th district Congressmen Gene Taylor, says those serving in south Mississippi help add to the character of the Coast,

“We are very very blessed with all of these installations and they are great neighbors while they serve on active duty. A great many of them have chosen to retire here and they become great neighbors when they retire from the force and we are lucky to have them here.”

Although last night’s event was about saluting the military, Admiral Roughead says it’s also important to recognize and honor the community of South Mississippi who plays an integral role in supporting the work that the military does.