City of Valdosta and Moody Air Force Base Participates in Georgia Joint Defense Commission Meeting
The City of Valdosta and leaders from Moody Air Force Base proudly participated in the Georgia Joint Defense Commission Meeting, where local and state leaders gathered to discuss vital matters impacting military communities across the state.
The meeting opened with introductions and insights from Colonel Paul Sheets, Commander of Moody Air Force Base, who provided a comprehensive installation overview, mission briefs, and key updates on Moody’s evolving role in national defense. Discussions highlighted the vital contributions of the 23d Wing (23d WG) and 93d Air Ground Operations Wing (93d AGOW), emphasizing their impact on both the community and global military operations.
In addition to Colonel Sheets’ presentation, the meeting featured updates on the future of Moody as a Deployable Combat Wing and its strong positioning as a preferred site for the F-35 fighter aircraft. Local leaders from both the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County also shared progress and initiatives from the Moody Support Group—demonstrating a united regional commitment to enhancing the base's mission and quality of life for service members.
Col. Paul Sheets, 23d Wing Commander remarked on the value of strong community ties, sharing: “We’re proud to stand alongside the City of Valdosta, Lowndes County, and the State of Georgia especially as we look ahead to the future of Moody Air Force Base. The strength of these partnerships is essential—not only to our evolving mission, but to the well-being of our Airmen and their families. Our focus extends beyond the installation’s perimeter—we’re working together to ensure a beneficial and lasting impact for our community, our state, and the nation we serve.”
State and local leaders further celebrated the successes of numerous joint projects, a direct result of strong partnerships and collaboration. Topics included infrastructure development, workforce initiatives, and strategic planning to ensure Moody remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s defense network.
John Eunice, Commission Member of the Georgia Joint Defense Commission, underscored the strength of these collaborations, stating: “The partnership between Moody Air Force Base and the Valdosta–Lowndes community is a model of what can be accomplished when military and civilian leaders work together. This relationship not only strengthens our national security but also brings immense economic and cultural value to South Georgia.”
Mayor Scott James Matheson echoed this sentiment, saying: “Moody Air Force Base is not just an asset to our national defense—it’s an integral part of our community. The support we show one another is what makes Valdosta special. This meeting reaffirmed the power of partnership and our shared commitment to ensuring Moody thrives now and in the future.”
As part of its continued commitment, the City of Valdosta looks forward to collaborating with state officials, military leadership, and local stakeholders to ensure ongoing success and readiness in support of Moody’s mission.