[Gaffer]

I left Keesler for overseas in late 1969? (one month before Camille hit) Can't say I ever miss much of Biloxi, it REALLY sucked back then (before the casinos). Went back a few years ago, and it had really improved...didn't see any of the barracks where I stayed....since then, I Google-Earth'd Keesler and saw the demolished 'foot print' of where I'd stayed while there.... My guess is the old WWII barracks had survived....

[awelliott]

I agree completely. I spent two months there in 1978, then spent 10 months there in 1980 when I cross-trained. It was awful - the beach was nasty because of the effects of Camille (IIRC it created a huge sandbar that they never got around to dredging for many years). The facilities were horrible as it was post-Vietnam and during the lean Carter military budget years.

But the worst aspect was the relationship between the USAF and the neighboring community. I still recall the "Beautify Biloxi - kill an airman" bumper stickers. I can't say that I blame the locals as we brought much of it upon ourselves. Keesler was full of fresh-out-of-basic airmen, many experiencing freedom and responsibility for the first time, and many of us made a less than smooth transition to adulthood.