JACKSON, Miss. – Governor Tate Reeves today announced the formation of Mission 3, a public-private nonprofit defense community support organization designed to strengthen military installations, expand economic opportunity, and unite South Mississippi communities around shared priorities.
The name Mission 3 represents the organization’s focus on three pillars: Military, Defense, and Community. This mission-driven effort aims to ensure the long-term success of South Mississippi’s military assets, while improving outcomes for the families, workers, and businesses who depend on them.
“Mississippi’s military and defense communities are worthy of appreciation, support and investment,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “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.”
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is home to one of the most strategic clusters of defense assets in the nation, including Keesler Air Force Base, Camp Shelby, Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Stennis Space Center, and critical U.S. Coast Guard operations. These installations anchor thousands of jobs and play a vital role in America’s national security.
However, success is no longer guaranteed by geography alone. Federal mission decisions now prioritize regions that show alignment across workforce development, innovation, quality of life, and public-private collaboration.
“Mission 3 is our region’s answer to a changing defense economy,” said Jamie Miller, President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Business Council. “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.”
Mission 3 will bring together community leaders, industry partners, and local governments to:
- Advocate for new missions and protect existing ones.
- Coordinate defense-related workforce and education efforts.
- Support infrastructure, housing, and quality-of-life improvements for military families.
- Attract innovation and private investment linked to defense needs.
- Serve as a unified voice for federal engagement and resource development.
Retired United States Air Force Colonel Paul Drake has been named Mission 3’s first executive director. Colonel Drake has a long and distinguished career. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Army War College. Colonel Drake served in Iraq and was the Mississippi Air National Guard’s first Fully Joint Qualified Officer. Additionally, Colonel Drake was the chief of staff for the National Guard Association of the U.S. He is currently an assistant professor at the U.S. Army War College in their Distance Education Program within the School of Strategic Landpower.
“I’m grateful to Governor Reeves and our regional leaders for their vision,” said Colonel Paul Drake. “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.”
The launch follows a yearlong initiative by the Gulf Coast Business Council Masters Class, which studied successful military support models in other states and recommended creating a permanent regional structure to guide strategy, funding, and community engagement.
The establishment of Mission 3 was made possible by a Defense Community Support Program grant from the Mississippi Development Authority. The Gulf Coast Business Council, in coordination with Governor’s Office of Military Affairs, worked to bring this concept to reality. Both organizations are committed to long-term strategic coordination and investment in the region’s defense future.
