Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has unveiled Mission 3, a newly established public-private partnership aimed at reinforcing military infrastructure, supporting service members and their families, and aligning regional communities around common defense and economic development goals along the Gulf Coast.
The initiative is structured around three core areas: military readiness, defense capabilities, and community resilience. Mission 3 will coordinate efforts among local governments, private enterprises, and federal agencies to safeguard key defense installations and stimulate regional prosperity.
“Our state’s defense communities deserve recognition, support, and strategic investment,” Reeves stated. “Mission 3 adds a powerful new mechanism to better serve those who have given so much in service to our nation. I’m confident this effort will yield meaningful benefits for South Mississippi.”
The region hosts several vital military and federal facilities, including Keesler Air Force Base, Camp Shelby, the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Stennis Space Center, and multiple U.S. Coast Guard operations. These installations play a crucial role in national defense and contribute significantly to the local economy.
With federal defense planning increasingly emphasizing regional cooperation, innovation, and workforce development, state officials view Mission 3 as a forward-looking strategy to secure Mississippi’s long-term defense interests.
Jamie Miller, President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Business Council, emphasized the initiative’s role in adapting to evolving defense priorities. “Mission 3 represents our region’s response to a shifting defense landscape,” Miller said. “It ensures we protect existing assets, expand on our achievements, and honor the sacrifices of military personnel and their families.”
The organization will advocate for new defense missions, defend current installations from potential reductions, coordinate workforce training and education programs, support improvements in housing and infrastructure, and attract private investment tied to defense-related industries.
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Paul Drake has been appointed as Mission 3’s inaugural executive director. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Army War College, Drake served in Iraq, was the first Fully Joint Qualified Officer in the Mississippi Air National Guard, and previously held the position of chief of staff for the National Guard Association of the United States. He currently serves as a faculty member at the U.S. Army War College’s School of Strategic Landpower.
“I’m honored by Governor Reeves and regional leaders for their vision,” Drake remarked. “Mission 3 will unify military, business, and civic leaders to speak with one cohesive voice—because no single entity can independently sustain and grow our region’s defense economy.”
The formation of Mission 3 follows a yearlong study conducted by the Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Class, which analyzed successful defense support models in other states and recommended a permanent framework for strategic coordination and funding.
Funding for the initiative comes from a Defense Community Support Program grant administered by the Mississippi Development Authority, with ongoing collaboration between the Gulf Coast Business Council and the Governor’s Office of Military Affairs to promote defense-related economic expansion across the region.
— news from SuperTalk Mississippi Media
— News Original —
Mission 3 launches to boost defense efforts, economic growth across Mississippi Gulf Coast
Gov. Tate Reeves announced Thursday the creation of Mission 3, a new public-private partnership designed to strengthen Mississippi’s military installations, support service members and their families, and align Gulf Coast communities around shared defense and economic goals. n nThe initiative’s name — Mission 3 — reflects its focus on three pillars: Military, Defense, and Community. The organization will work to protect South Mississippi’s major defense assets and foster collaboration among local leaders, businesses, and government agencies. n n“Mississippi’s military and defense communities are worthy of appreciation, support, and investment,” Reeves said. “Through Mission 3, Mississippi will add another valuable tool in its toolbox to better support those who have sacrificed so much for us. I’m excited to see the positive benefits that will come from Mission 3.” n nSouth Mississippi is home to a network of critical defense installations, including Keesler Air Force Base, Camp Shelby, the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Stennis Space Center, and multiple U.S. Coast Guard operations. Together, these facilities make a significant contribution to national security and the region’s economy. n nAs federal mission decisions increasingly emphasize regional collaboration, innovation, and workforce development, state and local leaders say Mission 3 is a proactive step toward securing Mississippi’s defense future. n n“Mission 3 is our region’s answer to a changing defense economy,” Gulf Coast Business Council President and CEO Jamie Miller said. “It’s how we protect what we’ve built, grow what we’ve earned, and do right by the service members and families who serve us all.” n nThe organization plans to advocate for new military missions, protect existing installations, coordinate workforce and education initiatives, support housing and infrastructure improvements, and encourage private-sector investment connected to defense industries. n nRetired U.S. Air Force Colonel Paul Drake will serve as Mission 3’s first executive director. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Army War College, Drake served in Iraq, was the Mississippi Air National Guard’s first Fully Joint Qualified Officer, and previously worked as chief of staff for the National Guard Association of the United States. He currently teaches at the U.S. Army War College’s School of Strategic Landpower. n n“I’m grateful to Governor Reeves and our regional leaders for their vision,” Drake said. “Mission 3 will bring military leaders, businesses, and local officials together to speak with one unified voice – because no single organization can protect, enhance, and expand our region’s defense economy alone.” n nThe new organization was developed after a yearlong study by the Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Class, which examined successful defense support models in other states and proposed a permanent structure to guide strategy and funding. n nMission 3 was made possible through a Defense Community Support Program grant from the Mississippi Development Authority, with continued collaboration between the Gulf Coast Business Council and the Governor’s Office of Military Affairs to support future defense-related growth across the region. n nCopyright 2025 SuperTalk Mississippi Media. All rights reserved. n nStay informed. n nGet the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox. n nLeave this field empty if you’re human: n nBy signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time. n nJill Sanchez is a multimedia journalist for SuperTalk Mississippi News. Originally from the Philippines, Jill moved to Mississippi in 2016. She has grown to love the charm, complexity, and character of the state – its culture, its history, and its people. In her free time, Jill enjoys making up theories, listening to Chappell Roan, and the entire “Conjuring” franchise. For inquiries or story tips, email Jill at [email protected].