Moody Air Force Base held an informative Town Hall meeting at the historic Lowndes County Courthouse in Valdosta, Georgia, May 22, 2024, to discuss the upcoming changes to the Military Operations Area (MOA) set to take effect on July 11, 2024.

The event focused on the revised arrival and departure procedures and their impact on the surrounding communities after lowering the airspace in the MOA to increase pilots’ training capabilities.

“I do understand that changes like this can drive questions and concerns, so I can promise all of you that we’re definitely committed to being transparent so everyone understands what these new procedures are,” said Col. Paul Sheets, 23rd Wing commander.

Air traffic control and aviator subject matter experts from the base led the session, aiming to clarify misconceptions and provide detailed explanations of the new procedures. The experts reassured residents from the affected counties that the changes are designed to minimize any disruptions and maintain the community's quality of life.

During the Town Hall, Moody AFB personnel presented comprehensive information on the MOA adjustments, emphasizing that the updates are necessary for improving combat training capabilities while maintaining operational efficiency and safety. They highlighted that the revised procedures have been planned to ensure minimal impact on civilian areas.

A key segment of the event was the Q&A session, where community members had the opportunity to voice their concerns and receive direct responses from Moody AFB representatives. This open dialogue helped to address specific questions and foster a better understanding of the changes among the attendees.

Moody AFB remains dedicated to working closely with local residents and stakeholders as the July 11, 2024, implementation date approaches. The base will continue to address concerns leading up to the change.

For more information, please contact the Public Affairs office at (229) 257-4146.