Moody Air Force Base (IATA: VAD, ICAO: KVAD, FAA LID: VAD) is a United States Air Force installation located in Lowndes County and Lanier County, about 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Valdosta, Georgia, United States.The host unit, the 23d Wing, carries out worldwide close air support, force protection, and combat search and rescue operations (CSAR).Originally named Valdosta Airfield when it opened on 15 September 1941, the airfield was renamed Moody Army Airfield on 6 December 1941 in honor of Major George Putnam Moody (13 March 1908 – 5 May 1941), an early Air Force pioneer.