Moody Air Force Base, located 10 miles northeast of
Valdosta, was founded as a result of concerned
Valdosta and Lowndes County citizens seeking to
assist the expanding defense program in the early stages of World
War II. Research suggested developing an air corps training base,
and in 1941 the War Department was granted exclusive use of over
9,000 acres of land by the Agricultural Department. MAFB is named
in memory of Major George Putnam Moody, an Air Force pioneer who
was on the inspection board for the AT-10 transitional trainers that
were eventually sent to the base.
Home to the 23rd Wing, the mission of the over 4,200 military
personnel is to organize, train, and employ combat-ready security
forces to execute worldwide close air support, force protection and
combat search and rescue operations, national security and the
global war on terrorism.
The men and women of Moody Air Force Base have historically
enjoyed respect and support from area citizens, perhaps evidenced
most strongly by the intense lobbying to save the base when it
appeared on a closure list. Not only was the based spared, the base
gained approximately 600 positions. Moody Air Force Base also
employs nearly 400 civilians.
Personnel at Moody Air Force Base return the hospitality to the
metropolitan Valdosta area by hosting an annual open house and air
show and the “Scare Force” Haunted House at Halloween. Area high
school and college students interested in a military career are
welcomed to “shadow” a staffer in a particular career field for a day.
Moody Air Force Base personnel (and all active duty and retired
military personnel) enjoy exclusive access to nearby Grassy Pond, a
500+ acre recreation area where boating, picnicking, camping,
fishing and hiking are enjoyed in a pristine wilderness setting.
Visit our website at www.moody.af.mil.
