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Moody Air Force Base
Moody Air Force Base
Moody Air Force Base
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Moody Air Force Base (AFB) (IATA: VAD, ICAO: KVAD, FAA LID: VAD) is a United States Air Force installation near Valdosta, Georgia.

Key Information

Geography

[edit]

The base is mostly in northeastern Lowndes County, Georgia,[2] with a portion in Lanier County.[3] Georgia State Route 125 runs through the western side of the base, leading southwest 11 miles (18 km) to the center of Valdosta and northeast 6 miles (10 km) to Ray City.

A portion of the Air Force base in Lowndes County is counted as a census-designated place for statistical purposes.[4] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has an area of 4.1 square miles (10.5 km2),[5] with a residential population at the 2020 census of 1,307.[6]

History

[edit]

The 29th Training Wing was established at Moody Field in 1941 for primary flight training.[7] Initially called Valdosta Airfield in June 1941, it was renamed Moody Army Air Field on 6 December 1941.[8] The installation's namesake, Major George Moody (1908–1941), was a U.S. Army Air Corps test pilot who died on 5 May 1941 in a crash of the prototype Beech Model 25 twin-engine trainer aircraft on its first test flight in Wichita, Kansas.[8] The Model 25 eventually became the AT-10 "Wichita", flown extensively at Moody Field during WWII.

On 1 May 1945 Moody was transferred to the First Air Force.[7]: 351  On 1 November 1945 Moody was transferred to Army Air Forces Training Command.[7]: 351  On 1 September 1947 Moody was transferred to Tactical Air Command.[7]: 351  On 13 January 1948 the base was redesignated Moody Air Force Base.[7]: 351  On 1 December 1948 the base was transferred to Continental Air Command.[7]: 351  On 1 April 1951 Moody AFB was transferred to Strategic Air Command (SAC).[7]: 351 

Air Training Command (1951–75)

[edit]

On 1 September 1951 Moody AFB was transferred from SAC to Air Training Command and the 3550th Training Wing (Interceptor Aircrew) was established there.[7]: 73  In 1952 Moody was assigned to undertake combat crew training.[7]: 68  In July 1957, following the cessation of interceptor training at Tyndall Air Force Base, advanced interceptor training and Tyndall's F-86D Sabres were transferred to Moody, while Moody's F-89Ds were transferred to James Connally Air Force Base.[7]: 111  On 3 November 1960 Moody stopped interceptor training and became a consolidated pilot training school.[7]: 132 

In 1961 following the closure of Graham Air Base, Moody became responsible for foreign pilot training. From 1962 onwards, increasing numbers of Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots were trained on Moody's 30 T-28 Trojans.[7]: 144–145  In 1963 foreign pilot training was moved to Randolph Air Force Base.[7]: 151 

On 1 December 1973 the 3550th Training Wing was inactivated and replaced by the new 38th Flying Training Wing.[7]: 194 

On 1 December 1975 Moody AFB was transferred from Air Training Command to Tactical Air Command and the 38th Flying Training Wing was inactivated.[7]: 202 

Tactical Air Command (1975–1992)

[edit]

On 30 September 1975 the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing moved to Moody AFB from Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base.[9]

On 1 October 1991 the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing was redesignated the 347th Fighter Wing.[10]

Air Combat Command (1992–2003)

[edit]

On 1 July 1994 was redesignated the 347th Wing, a composite wing with fighter, close air support and airlift elements.[10]

On 1 April 1997 the 41st Rescue Squadron and the 71st Rescue Squadron moved to Moody from Patrick Air Force Base and the 23d Wing was assigned to the 347th Wing.[11][12]

On 30 June 2000 the 70th Fighter Squadron was inactivated at Moody.[13] On 2 February 2001 the 69th Fighter Squadron was inactivated at Moody.[14] On 30 April 2001 the 68th Fighter Squadron was inactivated at Moody.[15]

On 1 May 2001 the 38th Rescue Squadron was activated at Moody and the 347th Wing was redesignated the 347th Rescue Wing.[10]

Air Education and Training Command (2000–07)

[edit]

On 31 July 2000 the 479th Flying Training Group was reactivated at Moody to conduct primary Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training.[7]: 318  On 2 April 2001 the 39th Flying Training Squadron was activated at Moody and it was joined by the 3d Flying Training Squadron.[7]: 324–325  On 1 October 2001 the 435th Flying Training Squadron also moved to Moody.[7]: 325 

On 21 July 2007 the 479th Flying Training Group was inactivated and its aircraft and equipment were redistributed to other AETC units.

Air Force Special Operations Command (2003–06)

[edit]

On 1 October 2003 the 347th Rescue Wing was assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command.[10]

Air Combat Command (2006–present)

[edit]

On 1 October 2006 the 23rd Fighter Group was redesignated as the 23d Wing and activated at Moody AFB.[16] On the same date the 347th Rescue Wing was inactivated and the 347th Operations Group was redesignated the 347th Rescue Group which became a subordinate element of the 23d Wing.

The 23rd Wing inactivated the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in January 2022 while at the same time activating the 74th and 75th Fighter Generation Squadrons. The move was part of Air Combat Command's plans to improve the alignment of fighter operations and maintenance.[17]

In June 2023, the USAF announced that two squadrons of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lighting II will be based at Moody AFB from 2029 to replace the 23rd Fighter Group's A-10C Thunderbolt IIs.[18]

Based units

[edit]

Flying and notable non-flying units based at Moody Air Force Base.[19][17]

Units marked GSU are Geographically Separate Units, which although based at Moody, are subordinate to a parent unit based at another location.

United States Air Force

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Moody Air Force Base
Census-designated place
CountryUnited States
StateGeorgia
CountyLowndes
Elevation
[20]
1,483 ft (452 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
1,307
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
GNIS feature ID2403305[20]

Moody Air Force Base is listed as a census-designated place (CDP) and is the official name for an area covering the residential population of the Moody Air Force Base, in Lowndes County, Georgia, United States.

Moody Air Force Base was first listed as an unincorporated place in the 1970 census[21] and designated a CDP in the 1980 census.[21] The population at the 2020 census was 1,307.[22]

Residents are in the Lowndes County School District.[23][24] Lowndes High School is the comprehensive high school of that district.

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19701,424—
19801,297−8.9%
19901,288−0.7%
2000993−22.9%
2010886−10.8%
20201,30747.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[25]
1960[26]
1970[27] 1980[21] 1990[28]
2000[29] 2010[30] 2020[31]

2020 census

[edit]
Moody AFB CDP, Georgia – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[32] Pop 2010[30] Pop 2020[31] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 643 582 691 64.75% 65.69% 52.87%
Black or African American alone (NH) 230 133 262 23.16% 15.01% 20.05%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 1 3 11 0.10% 0.34% 0.84%
Asian alone (NH) 23 14 54 2.32% 1.58% 4.13%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 4 0 19 0.40% 0.00% 1.45%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 4 8 6 0.40% 0.90% 0.46%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) 13 45 70 1.31% 5.08% 5.36%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 75 101 194 7.55% 11.40% 14.84%
Total 993 886 1,307 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Moody Air Force Base

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from Grokipedia
Moody Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located approximately 10 miles northeast of Valdosta, Georgia, serving as the host base for the 23rd Wing and functioning as the Air Force's only active-duty combat search and rescue wing. Established in 1941 as Moody Field during World War II, the base initially operated as an Army Air Corps pilot training facility, where it trained 7,212 pilots before the war's end. It was redesignated Moody Air Force Base in 1947 following the creation of the U.S. Air Force, though it briefly closed in 1946; the base reopened in 1951 to support the Korean War effort with advanced pilot training. Over the decades, its mission evolved from primary flight training in the 1950s and 1960s—featuring aircraft like the T-33 Shooting Star and T-38 Talon—to tactical fighter operations in the 1970s and beyond, before transitioning to its current focus on combat search and rescue by 2001. The base spans an original area of 9,300 acres and supports multiple tenant units, including the 347th Rescue Group and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing. Today, Moody AFB's primary mission emphasizes personnel recovery, , and precision strike capabilities, executed through specialized aircraft such as the HC-130J Combat King II for refueling and infiltration, the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter for rescue operations, and the for close air support and precision strikes. Named in honor of Major George Putnam Moody, an early pioneer killed in a 1941 crash, the base continues to uphold a legacy tied to the , the historic 23rd Fighter Group from . Its strategic location near the border enhances its role in supporting and missions across the .

Overview

Establishment and Role

Moody Air Force Base traces its origins to June 1941, when the authorized the construction of an Army Air Corps airfield near , to support the expanding needs of pilot training amid rising global tensions leading into . Construction commenced on July 28, 1941, on a 9,300-acre site, and the facility initially operated as Valdosta Airfield before being formally named Moody Field on December 6, 1941, in honor of Major George Putnam Moody, an early aviation pioneer killed in a crash the previous May. The first military personnel arrived on November 25, 1941, marking the base's activation as a dedicated pilot training installation under the Army Air Corps. From its inception, Moody Field served as a primary site for pilot training, encompassing preliminary, basic, and advanced phases to prepare cadets for combat roles. The inaugural training class began instruction on February 19, 1942, utilizing various trainers, including the twin-engine Beech AT-10 Wichita for advanced skills in , , and instrument operations. By the end of the war in , the base had graduated 7,212 pilots, contributing significantly to the effort with a peak personnel capacity of over 4,100, including instructors, support staff, and cadets. This intensive program emphasized conceptual mastery of flight fundamentals over exhaustive metrics, ensuring graduates were equipped for advanced assignments in fighter and bomber squadrons. Following the war, Moody Field transitioned alongside the broader reorganization of U.S. military aviation, briefly closing in February 1946 before reopening in May 1951 to support advanced during the effort. With the establishment of the independent U.S. on September 18, 1947, the installation was redesignated Moody Base, reflecting its enduring role as a permanent hub. This shift solidified its identity as a key asset, paving the way for continued contributions to aerial readiness.

Current Mission and Command

Moody Air Force Base serves as a critical hub for (ACC), with its primary mission centered on providing , personnel recovery, and operations through the . The , activated on October 1, 2006, as the host unit at the base, integrates fighter, , and special tactics squadrons to organize, train, equip, and deploy combat-ready forces for precision attack, personnel recovery, and in dynamic operational environments. This structure enables the wing to support joint and coalition forces worldwide, emphasizing agile responses to threats in contested airspace. Since its activation, the has operated under the oversight of ACC, realigning combat search and rescue assets to enhance integration with active-duty fighter operations. Complementing this, the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) provides essential support through tenant units like the , which augments active forces with reserve personnel and capabilities for sustained readiness. Key operational strengths include A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft dedicated to missions, delivering precision strikes against ground targets, and HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters for personnel recovery in hostile conditions. These assets ensure the base's role in maintaining air superiority and safeguarding isolated personnel during high-risk scenarios. In a notable advancement, Moody Air Force Base became the first in the to implement VPN access to the Star network in February 2025, enabling secure, high-speed connectivity for Airmen in austere or remote environments without reliance on traditional infrastructure. This , integrated directly into the base's network, enhances and data sharing for deployed forces, underscoring Moody's commitment to technological superiority in support of ACC objectives.

Geography

Location and Site Details

Moody Air Force Base is situated approximately 9 miles northeast of , in south-central Georgia near the border. The installation primarily lies within Lowndes County, with portions extending into Lanier County. The base's geographic coordinates are 30°58′07″N 83°11′35″W, with an elevation of 233 feet (71 meters) above . It encompasses approximately 11,000 acres of federally owned land, including the main base area, the Grand Bay Range, and the Grassy Pond Recreational Annex. The airfield features two parallel s: the primary (18L/36R) measures 9,300 feet (2,835 meters) in length with a concrete surface, while the secondary (18R/36L) is 8,002 feet (2,439 meters) long with a PEM (porous European mix) surface. Access to the base is provided primarily via Georgia State Route 125, also known as Bemiss Road, which runs along the western side of the installation. The base is in close proximity to the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area, which includes over 5,800 acres licensed from the U.S. Air Force and utilized for training ranges. The base's boundaries include rural residential and agricultural lands to the north and west, with undeveloped wetlands to the east and south; it is adjacent to unincorporated areas and lies near the small community of Ray City to the northeast.

Climate and Environment

Moody Air Force Base is situated in a classified under the Köppen system as Cfa, featuring hot, humid summers and mild winters typical of southern Georgia. The hot season extends from late May through mid-September, with daily high temperatures exceeding 86°F (30°C); marks the peak, with an high of 92°F (33°C) and oppressive humidity that often pushes the above 100°F (38°C). Winters are short and relatively mild, from mid-December to early March, with recording an low of 39°F (4°C), though occasional freezes can occur. Annual precipitation totals approximately 50 inches (1,270 mm), distributed fairly evenly but with peaks during summer months due to convective activity. The region's vulnerability to tropical systems, including hurricanes, influences base operations, as coastal Georgia lies within the Atlantic hurricane basin's path. In 2025, Moody AFB emphasized hurricane preparedness through initiatives such as National Hurricane Preparedness Week in May, which included guidance on stocking non-perishable food, water, and cash, as well as securing outdoor items and following shelter protocols to avoid flooded areas. Additional tips shared ahead of the peak season in highlighted inspecting tie-downs for mobile homes, boarding windows, and evacuating to designated shelters if necessary, underscoring the base's focus on rapid response to storm warnings. Environmentally, the base's location near Valdosta places it in proximity to the expansive , approximately 60 miles southeast, contributing to a rich mosaic of coastal plain ecosystems. Moody AFB manages approximately 6,900 acres of wetlands on the installation, in accordance with federal regulations such as the Clean Water Act and the Sikes Act to protect and habitats. These wetlands support diverse and , and require ongoing mitigation to prevent erosion and contamination from base activities. Frequent thunderstorms, common during the humid summer period, pose operational challenges by disrupting (VFR) training and reducing available sortie hours on ranges like Grand Bay. The base's 23rd Operations Support Squadron weather flight employs advanced systems to monitor and avoid , providing real-time forecasts that enable pilots to reroute or delay missions for safety. Complementary drainage systems help manage stormwater runoff from heavy rains, minimizing flood risks to runways and facilities while complying with environmental standards. A recent environmental assessment, announced via a Notice of Intent on July 25, 2025, initiates an for the proposed beddown of two F-35A squadrons at Moody AFB, evaluating effects on noise levels from increased aircraft operations and emissions from fuel combustion and maintenance activities. This process includes public scoping to address air quality permits and potential mitigation for surrounding ecosystems, with comments accepted through August 25, 2025.

History

World War II and Early Operations (1941–1945)

Construction of Moody Field commenced on July 28, 1941, on a 9,300-acre site near , following local advocacy and federal approval on June 2, earlier that year. The base was activated on November 25, 1941, and named Moody Field on December 6, just days after the U.S. entry into , and designated as a primary school under the U.S. Army Air Corps. Initial personnel arrived in late November 1941, with the first class of aviation cadets beginning training in February 1942. The facility, costing approximately $11.5 million, featured 349 buildings and rapidly expanded to support the wartime demand for aviators. During its operational peak from 1943 to 1944, Moody Field served as a critical advanced multi-engine training center, hosting multiple squadrons and peaking at 325 on site. The base trained 7,212 pilots through a rigorous seven-month program encompassing preliminary, basic, and advanced phases, culminating in the awarding of wings and commissions as second lieutenants. Primary aircraft included the Beechcraft AT-10 Wichita for twin-engine instruction, alongside other multi-engine types such as the introduced in April 1945; these efforts prepared graduates for combat roles in bombers and transports. By spring 1942, the base supported around 3,000 enlisted personnel, 350 officers, 450 cadets, and 20 nurses, contributing significantly to the Allied air forces. Moody's trainees played a vital role in major wartime operations, with many advancing to fly in the , including support for the D-Day invasion of Normandy in June 1944, and in the Pacific Theater's island-hopping campaigns against Japanese forces. Graduates piloted aircraft in critical missions, such as B-17 and B-24 bombers over and transport operations over the . The base's output helped address the acute need for skilled multi-engine pilots amid escalating global conflicts. In April 1945, the base shifted to combat crew training with the . Following V-J Day in August 1945, training activities wound down, ceasing entirely in February 1946. Moody Field was then placed in surplus status and briefly inactivated in 1947.

Cold War and Command Transitions (1946–1991)

Following , Moody Air Force Base was placed on inactive status in 1947, with only a caretaker staff remaining on site. In response to the escalating demands of the , the base was reactivated in May 1951 under the , where the Georgia Air National Guard's 146th Fighter Group oversaw rapid rehabilitation efforts completed in four months. This brief stint with , from April to September 1951, emphasized tactical fighter operations to bolster U.S. air capabilities amid early tensions. The base's infrastructure was modernized to support , marking a shift from its -era propeller-driven training focus. On September 1, 1951, control transferred to , which activated the 3550th Flying Training Wing (Interceptor Aircrew) as the host unit, initiating a period of advanced pilot training. The wing specialized in all-weather interceptor training, equipping pilots with skills for air defense missions against potential Soviet threats during the . Aircraft such as the F-89 Scorpion and F-94 Starfire were introduced for jet interceptor instruction, and by the mid-1950s, the base attained permanent installation status in 1954, with the addition of the 4756th Air Defense Group as a tenant unit in early 1955. The saw significant expansion for jet training programs, including support for the through pilot instruction; over 200 foreign officers and cadets from 12 nations were trained between 1955 and 1963 under the Military Assistance Program, enhancing allied air forces' interoperability. The 3550th was inactivated on December 1, 1973, and replaced by the 38th Flying Training Wing, which continued advanced pilot training until its inactivation on September 30, 1975. This era solidified Moody's role in preparing U.S. and international pilots for tactical operations in and beyond. In December 1975, Moody transitioned to , with the activation of the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing as the host unit on September 30, 1975, redirecting the base toward combat-oriented missions. The wing operated F-4E Phantom II aircraft for air-to-ground attack training, emphasizing precision strikes and battlefield interdiction to counter armored threats in a European theater scenario. During the late , the base supported exercises through squadron deployments to , and in the , underwent upgrades for advanced integration, transitioning to F-16A/B Fighting Falcons in 1988 and F-16C/D models by January 1990. These enhancements improved multi-role capabilities, including the first employment of the targeting pod system in August 1990, enhancing night and adverse-weather operations. The 347th Wing's focus on tactical fighter readiness contributed to rapid deployments, such as personnel support to Southwest in August 1990, underscoring Moody's evolution from training hub to forward-operating tactical asset by the end of the in 1991.

Post-Cold War Developments (1992–Present)

Following the end of the , Moody Base underwent significant realignments to adapt to new strategic priorities, beginning with its reassignment to (ACC) in 1992 as part of broader restructuring efforts. This shift integrated the base's 347th Tactical Fighter Wing into ACC's focus on conventional airpower, incorporating F-16 squadrons relocated from Homestead Base after devastated that installation. During the early 2000s, Moody experienced temporary command diversions to support evolving missions. From 2000 to 2007, the base hosted the 479th Flying Training Group as a tenant unit under (AETC), emphasizing pilot training with T-6A Texan II and T-1A Jayhawk aircraft before the group's inactivation and asset redistribution. Concurrently, in October 2003, the 347th Wing was reassigned to (AFSOC), assuming oversight of the 563rd Group and prioritizing in special operations contexts until its return to ACC in February 2006. On October 1, 2006, the was reactivated at Moody under ACC, inactivating the 347th Wing and realigning rescue elements under the new structure to consolidate fighter, rescue, and maintenance operations. The 23rd Wing's A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, upgraded to reach initial operational capability in September 2007 with advanced digital and precision-guided munitions, played a pivotal role in post-9/11 conflicts. These enhancements enabled missions in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, where Moody-based A-10Cs conducted thousands of sorties to protect ground forces and disrupt enemy operations. In 2023, the Department of the announced Moody as the preferred location for two F-35A II squadrons to replace the A-10 fleet, with initial aircraft arrivals projected for 2029 to modernize the base's tactical airpower capabilities. This transition prompted a July 25, 2025, Notice of Intent to prepare an assessing the beddown's effects on local air quality, noise, and infrastructure. Recent developments underscore Moody's adaptation to agile combat employment and joint operations. On September 15, 2025, the 23rd Combat Air Base Squadron was activated to integrate over 60 specialties into a unified team for rapid deployment and sustainment in contested environments. In August 2025, Airmen from the 23rd Wing collaborated with Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 264 in integration exercises at Moody, focusing on combat search and rescue tactics to enhance interoperability between services.

Units and Operations

United States Air Force Units

The , the host unit at Moody Air Force Base, falls under and is responsible for organizing, training, equipping, and deploying forces for precision attack, personnel recovery, and combat support missions. It oversees more than 4,000 Airmen and approximately 71 aircraft, including A-10C Thunderbolt II for , HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters for combat rescue, and HC-130J Combat King II aircraft for and infiltration/exfiltration support. The wing's subordinate units include the 23rd Fighter Group, 347th Rescue Group, 23rd Maintenance Group, 23rd Medical Group, and 23rd Mission Support Group. The 23rd Maintenance Group manages maintenance and repair for the wing's HC-130J, HH-60W, and A-10C aircraft, supporting the and tenant units like the . The 23rd Medical Group provides medical, dental, and services, staffing 280 personnel to serve over 10,100 beneficiaries with an annual budget of $10.8 million. The , a key subordinate of the , manages flying and maintenance operations for the U.S. Air Force's largest concentration of A-10C aircraft, supporting over 90 pilots and 180 maintenance personnel in combat-ready roles. It includes the and , both equipped with A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft to deliver precision strikes and support ground forces in contested environments. The 347th Rescue Group, another primary component of the 23rd Wing, focuses on personnel recovery operations and maintains readiness for over 540 personnel across global deployments. It comprises the 41st Rescue Squadron, operating HH-60W helicopters for tactical combat rescue of downed aircrew in hostile areas using night-vision and air refueling capabilities; the 71st Rescue Squadron, equipped with nine HC-130J aircraft for long-range search, rescue, and aerial refueling in adverse weather; and the 38th Rescue Squadron, a Guardian Angel unit training combat rescue officers, pararescuemen, and survival specialists for survivor extraction and medical treatment. Battlefield air control and integration of airpower with ground operations at Moody are supported by the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing, a tenant unit under Air Combat Command that trains and deploys tactical air control party specialists, combat controllers, and other ground elements to execute joint fires and command-and-control in multi-domain environments. Support for base operations is provided by units under the 23rd Mission Support Group, which includes squadrons for security forces, civil engineering, contracting, logistics, force support, and communications. The 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron handles infrastructure maintenance, emergency services, and environmental management to sustain mission-critical facilities; the 23rd Communications Squadron is responsible for cybersecurity, network operations, and information systems to enable secure command and control across the installation. In 2024, the 23rd Communications Squadron implemented the first Air Force use of SpaceX's Starshield satellite system with virtual private network integration, allowing secure access to Moody's networks from austere locations using personal devices to bolster command and control during personnel recovery and combat support missions. The 23rd Combat Air Base Squadron, activated on September 15, 2025, consolidates over 60 Air Force specialty codes to provide base operations and sustainment in deployed environments, enhancing the wing's agile combat employment capabilities. Reserve components, such as the 476th Fighter Group, augment active-duty operations through associate arrangements, enhancing A-10C readiness without forming core active-duty structure.

Reserve and Support Components

The 476th Fighter Group, an Air Force Reserve Command unit assigned to the Tenth Air Force and administratively overseen by the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, serves as a classic associate unit at Moody Air Force Base, providing combat-ready Airmen to support the host 23rd Wing's close air support missions. The group's primary flying component, the 76th Fighter Squadron, operates A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, focusing on precision close air support capabilities to protect ground forces in contested environments. This reserve group integrates seamlessly with active-duty elements through total force initiatives, conducting joint training to generate and maintain A-10C sorties alongside the 23rd Fighter Group's squadrons and maintenance personnel. The 476th Fighter Group's staff, including its operations support elements, handles mission planning and coordination to ensure during unit training assemblies and operational readiness exercises. Approximately 230 reservists, comprising pilots, maintainers, and support personnel, contribute to these efforts, augmenting the 23rd Wing's capacity for expeditionary operations.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Airfield and Operational Facilities

Moody Air Force Base's airfield infrastructure supports advanced close air support and personnel recovery missions with two primary runways designed for heavy fighter and rescue aircraft operations. Runway 01R/19L measures 9,300 feet in length by 150 feet wide (concrete/grooved surface), while Runway 01L/19R is 8,002 feet by 150 feet (PEM/grooved surface), both surfaced with durable materials to accommodate high-impact landings and takeoffs. Extensive taxiways and aprons provide parking and maneuvering space for multiple aircraft, enabling efficient ground handling during peak training periods. The base maintains four climate-controlled hangars dedicated to A-10 Thunderbolt II maintenance, where technicians perform phase inspections and repairs to ensure aircraft readiness in varying weather conditions. These facilities are critical for the rigorous upkeep required by the A-10's role. In preparation for the transition to F-35 Lightning II aircraft, simulators for pilot transition training are planned as part of infrastructure upgrades, including 2025 compatibility testing and an for operational beddown by 2030, to support the new platform's operational needs. Access to the adjacent Grand Bay Range Complex enhances training capabilities, offering 5,874 acres for live-fire exercises, bombing runs, and low-level flight maneuvers essential to A-10 and rescue squadron proficiency. This range supports realistic scenario-based training, including strafing and gunnery, directly off the for seamless integration into daily operations. The airfield's control tower operates with precision approach radar (PAR) to facilitate all-weather landings and takeoffs, providing vector guidance for pilots in low-visibility conditions. Recent upgrades incorporate digital surveillance radar and tower technologies to improve and integrate unmanned aerial systems into . Fuel storage infrastructure includes a capacity of more than 945,000 gallons for , managed by the to sustain continuous flight operations and rapid refueling of combat .

Housing and Support Services

Moody Air Force Base provides privatized family managed by two primary operators: Hunt Military Communities and Balfour Beatty Communities, offering a total of approximately 388 units tailored to active-duty personnel and their dependents. These include 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom single-family homes in communities such as Quiet Pines and Magnolia Grove under Hunt, and Mission Creek under Balfour Beatty, with features like no up-front rent for active-duty members, 24-hour maintenance, and amenities including playgrounds and community centers. In 2023, Hunt initiated a major renovation project replacing HVAC systems in 239 homes across Quiet Pines and Magnolia Grove to enhance energy efficiency and resident comfort. Unaccompanied housing at Moody AFB consists of 15 dormitory buildings designed to support junior enlisted Airmen, providing a total of 834 rooms with suite-style layouts that include private sleeping areas, shared common spaces, and on-site fitness centers to promote physical wellness and . These facilities cater to unaccompanied personnel in ranks E1-E4 with less than three years of service, emphasizing a supportive environment for and high operational readiness. The 23rd Medical Group operates an outpatient clinic at Moody AFB, delivering comprehensive , dental services, support, , , and radiology services to active-duty members, retirees, and eligible family members. This facility ensures readiness by focusing on , , and , with no on-site emergency services; urgent needs are referred to local hospitals via 911 or the Nurse Advice Line. Recreational amenities on base include the AAFES for shopping essentials, a state-of-the-art fitness center offering group classes and equipment for all ranks, an on-base theater for , and an 18-hole managed by services. The Center supports youth programs by providing full-time and hourly care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, along with after-school activities focused on , , fitness, and for school-aged youth. A full-service at Moody AFB supplies groceries and household goods at cost to authorized patrons, while dining options feature the Georgia Pines Dining Facility, which serves nutritious meals including salads, sandwiches, and rotating specialties to enlisted members and temporary duty personnel, supplemented by additional eateries like the Moody Field Club. These services collectively support the base's approximately 5,500 military, reserve, and civilian personnel, ensuring convenient access to sustenance amid high deployment tempos.

Demographics and Community Impact

Population Statistics

According to the , the Moody Air Force Base (CDP) in , had a total population of 1,307 residents. The population was approximately 320 persons per square mile. The CDP covers a land area of 4.1 square miles, with no significant water area. Demographic composition reflects the diverse military community, with the following racial and ethnic breakdown from the 2020 Census:
Race/EthnicityPercentage
White52.9%
Black or African American20.0%
Hispanic or Latino14.8%
Asian4.1%
Multiracial5.4%
Native American/Other races2.8%
Projections estimated the at approximately 1,661 in 2025, reflecting an annual growth rate of 3.23% driven by expansions in units stationed at the base. Household data shows an average size of 3.2 persons, consistent with family-oriented demographics, while the median age is 22.5 years, underscoring the predominance of younger service members and their dependents. The CDP operates in the UTC-5 (Eastern ). Education for dependents is provided through affiliation with the Lowndes County School District, which serves on-base families without dedicated schools on the installation itself.

Economic and Social Effects

Moody Air Force Base serves as a major economic driver for the Valdosta-Lowndes County region in , contributing substantially to local employment, , and overall . In 2022, the base generated a total economic impact of $557 million, including $333.6 million in military for approximately 5,194 active-duty and reserve personnel and $39.2 million in civilian supporting 957 civilians. This activity also sustains 2,606 off-base jobs with an estimated value of $97.5 million, based on local labor statistics. A 2021 assessment pegged the base's impact at $459 million, accounting for 6.55% of the local GDP, highlighting its role in stabilizing the regional economy amid fluctuations in and . Historical data from 2013 similarly reported an economic output of $461 million, driven by $319.5 million in combined and $77.3 million in contracts, underscoring the base's consistent influence over decades. The influx of federal spending at Moody stimulates secondary economic effects, such as increased demand for housing, retail, and services in Valdosta, where the base is the largest employer, ahead of . The integration of F-35 Lightning II aircraft operations has amplified this, with the program's statewide economic contributions exceeding $866 million annually in revenue, payroll, and supplier spending, a portion of which directly benefits the community through Moody's hosting of the . During potential disruptions like federal shutdowns, the base's economic footprint—estimated at half a billion dollars—poses risks to local livelihoods, as evidenced by warnings from state leaders in 2025 about impacts on Valdosta's workforce. Socially, Moody fosters strong community ties through programs like the Air Force Community Partnership (AFCP), which collaborates with Lowndes on shared infrastructure, emergency response, and utilities, such as a renewed 10-year wastewater agreement and mutual fire aid that enhances response times for both base residents and civilians. Airmen regularly volunteer in local initiatives, including home repairs for 12 families, support for the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, and assistance to the Lowndes Humane Society in 2024, promoting social cohesion and addressing community needs. Annual events like "South Georgia Loves Moody Week" across Berrien, Cook, Lanier, and Lowndes counties celebrate military families with activities that build goodwill and cultural integration. However, environmental challenges, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination from historical use, have created social tensions and health concerns for nearby residents. testing at Moody revealed PFAS in 22 of 34 samples across eight sites in 2019, affecting sources and prompting lawsuits from affected , families, and civilians in Valdosta and surrounding areas. Exposure risks include links to cancers, , and immune suppression, leading to federal advocacy, such as Sen. Jon Ossoff's 2021 efforts to protect servicemembers and push for remediation. Despite base assurances of safe on-post water in 2023, ongoing cleanup delays at contaminated military sites nationwide have heightened community awareness and calls for accountability.

References

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