News Summary
The U.S. Army has reverted the name of Fort Eisenhower back to its original designation, Fort Gordon, in response to changing attitudes towards historical recognition. The renaming honors Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon, celebrated for his valor during the Battle of Mogadishu. The name change has drawn mixed reactions from the local Augusta community, prompting discussions on historical legacy and its impact on community identity.
Augusta, Georgia – The U.S. Army has announced that Fort Eisenhower will be renamed back to its original designation, Fort Gordon, effective immediately. The announcement was made on June 12, 2025, as part of a broader movement in which seven military bases are reverting to original names that avoid honoring Confederate leaders.
The military post, located in Augusta, was initially renamed in tribute to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 2023. The new namesake, Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon, is recognized for his bravery during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. Renaming the installation to honor Gordon serves to acknowledge his valor and sacrifice, reflecting a modern perspective on military heritage.
Maj. Gen. Ryan Janovic, commander of the Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, confirmed the name change on June 13, 2025. Following President Donald Trump’s announcement, the ultra-quick transition highlights the Army’s responsiveness to evolving societal values regarding historical recognition.
The U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence expressed gratitude for the support received from the local community during this transition. While the formal ceremony marking the name change is still in the planning stages, the change is already in effect, leading to immediate implications for infrastructure and community identity.
Renaming Fort Gordon will necessitate updating various signs and markers around the military installation and along surrounding highways, with an estimated cost of around $1.3 million based on the previous name change in 2023. This financial consideration raises concerns within the community, particularly as they adapt to the changes.
The local community in Augusta showcases mixed reactions to the name change, with some residents expressing confusion over the alterations while others maintain a strong support for the military installation. Residents report challenges in adjusting to the new name, with many continuing to refer to the base as Fort Eisenhower out of habit.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson emphasized pride in honoring Master Sgt. Gordon and the significance of his legacy, reinforcing the community’s commitment to the military presence in the area. Fort Gordon has historical ties to Augusta, dating back to its creation in the early 1940s, and the area’s identity has become intertwined with that of the installation.
This name change has initiated discussions on historical recognition and its impact on community identity. As the community navigates these changes, there are ongoing challenges affecting local development projects that are independent of the military installation.
Fort Gordon has endured a significant identity transformation in recent years, and as local residents strive to adapt to these changes, the S. Army’s acknowledgment of individuals like Master Sgt. Gordon reflects a growing awareness of the importance of honoring service members’ legacies instead of Confederate heritage. The Army and local officials remain optimistic about building bridges during this transitional period.
As the community looks to the future, the response of local citizens will undoubtedly shape the evolving narrative surrounding Fort Gordon and its place within Augusta, Georgia.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Speedy switch – Local Army post becomes Fort Gordon again
- Google Search: Fort Gordon
- Augusta Chronicle: Fort Gordon honors Medal of Honor recipient
- Google Scholar: Fort Gordon
- WSBTV: Army restores names of Fort Gordon and 6 other bases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fort Gordon
- Task & Purpose: Trump restores Army base names
- Google News: Fort Gordon renaming
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
