Located north of Columbus, Mississippi, the Columbus Air Force Base is home to the 14th Flying Training Wing. The wing’s mission focuses on specialized undergraduate pilot training in the T-6 Texan II, T-38C Talon and T-1A Jayhawk aircraft. In addition to the flying training mission, Columbus AFB has the capability to deploy personnel at a moment’s notice to support worldwide taskings and contingencies.
Training missions at Columbus AFB are at risk due to increased encroachment from development pressures created by planned highway expansion and local mining buyouts. Existing incompatible residential development in proximity to aircraft takeoff and landing areas is creating public safety hazards and mission hindrances at the installation. Mine development is linked to increased bird concentrations which would pose wildlife collision hazards to aircraft operations.
T-6 Texan II in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Davis Donaldson)
CLF is partnering with Columbus AFB to acquire land through restrictive use easements to reduce incompatible development, including new mine development, near the base. These protected buffer areas will also provide ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat for the northern Long-Eared Bat, the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, and other threatened and endangered species.
A pair of T-38 Talon aircrafts prepare to take off. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jake Jacobsen)