COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.— -- The wheels of the aircraft made contact with the pavement as the pilot came to an abrupt stop, looking over their shoulder, they made eye contact with the instructor pilot, smiled, and pulled up on the throttle to go again! He is 10 years old.
A series of flight simulators once used to train world-class pilots, now trains world-class students at the newly opened STARBASE, on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, August 20, 2025.
“I’ve been in the Mississippi area for the last month and today has been surreal having the community come out and support this program at the Air Force base,” said Germaletta Brown director of STARBASE Columbus. “My staff and I are working tirelessly to welcome each of your 5th graders and with the public’s support expand in the next few years.”
The new educational initiative is one of the many benefits for 5th grade students from Columbus Municipal School District and the Lowndes County School District through the new Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics STEM, program.
“Starbase Columbus will give students an opportunity to learn through a hands-on STEM based curriculum,” said Amber Meiborg, School Liaison Program Manager and Federal Program Manager of STARBASE Columbus. “They are able to develop critical thinking skills, while engaging in interactive lessons through teamwork.”
Each STARBASE academy chooses a customized curriculum from a large offering of peer-reviewed learning opportunities in each STEM area, such as: Newton’s Laws of gravity and Bernoulli’s principle, robotics, and engineering as they use computer programs to design space stations, all-terrain vehicles, and submersibles. Introducing local students to the technological environment and positive civilian and military role models will enrich the learning experience for students.
“We want to make sure that these kids have a safe, fun and engaging learning environment where they can learn about STEM opportunities,” said Col. Scott Ryder 14th Mission Support Group commander. “These students have a curriculum that’s set for them, covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics with in-depth lessons within those.”
STARBASE Columbus is partnering with local school districts to enhance learning objectives, resources, and standards. Fifth grade students are scheduled to start the program that encompasses over 25-hours of hands-on activities.
“Starbase Columbus provides a unique experience by being located on a military installation allowing; students to see real world applications of STEM through the work happening within their community,” Amber explained. “We’re providing over 25 hours of exemplary hands-on instruction and activities that meet or even exceed the National Standards.”
For more information about Starbase and ways to get involved: https://dodstarbase.org/