The Rock Of The Marne: 5 Crucial Updates And Facts About Fort Stewart, Georgia In Late 2025

Fort Stewart, Georgia, remains one of the most critical and expansive military installations on the East Coast, serving as the home of the legendary 3rd Infantry Division (3ID). As of late 2025, the base is undergoing significant infrastructure and command changes while maintaining an aggressive operational tempo that underscores its role as the Army’s Premier Power Projection Platform. This article cuts through the noise to deliver the five most crucial, recent updates affecting service members, their families, and the surrounding communities of Hinesville, Ludowici, and Savannah.

The base continues to be a focal point for Army readiness, with major training exercises and command shifts defining its current status. From a new Garrison Commander taking the helm to a necessary infrastructure push with new barracks construction, the installation is evolving to meet the demands of modern military operations. Below is a deep dive into the latest developments impacting the "Rock of the Marne" in 2025.

Fort Stewart's Command and Leadership Profile (Late 2025)

The leadership at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield is a constant flux of change, ensuring fresh perspectives guide the installation’s mission. The 3rd Infantry Division, the host unit, is led by its Commanding General, while the day-to-day operations and quality of life for the garrison are managed by the Garrison Commander.

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• Senior Commander / 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Commanding General: Brig. Gen. John W. Lubas (As of August 2025, he was the Senior Commander briefing media on a critical incident, confirming his current role).
• U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Commander: Col. Gabe Weaver.
• Garrison Command Change Date: Col. Gabe Weaver took command in a ceremony at Cashe Gardens on July 22, 2025, replacing Col. Marc Austin.
• Host Unit: 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), motto "Rock of the Marne."
• Primary Mission: To train, equip, deploy, and support combat-ready forces, serving as the Army’s Premier Power Projection Platform on the East Coast.
• Key Tenant Unit: 188th Infantry Brigade.

The transition of the Garrison Command in mid-2025 signals a renewed focus on base operations, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents and ongoing infrastructure projects.

Update 1: Fort Stewart Will Keep Its Name—The Definitive Naming Commission Status

One of the most common questions surrounding military bases in the South is their status with the Department of Defense’s Naming Commission, which was mandated to rename installations and assets honoring Confederate leaders. Unlike Fort Benning (renamed Fort Moore) or Fort Gordon (renamed Fort Eisenhower) in Georgia, Fort Stewart has definitively retained its name.

The base is named after Brig. Gen. Daniel Stewart (1762-1829), a veteran of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Because General Stewart’s service predates the Civil War and he was not associated with the Confederacy, the installation was never placed on the list for renaming. This decision provides stability and preserves the historical legacy of the base, which was established in 1940 as Camp Stewart.

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This confirmation is vital for the military community and the surrounding cities, including Hinesville and Savannah, ensuring no disruption or confusion over the installation’s identity.

Update 2: 2025 BAH Increase and New UEPH Barracks Construction

Housing and quality of life remain a top priority, and two major updates for 2025 directly impact service members’ finances and living conditions:

Significant BAH Rate Increase

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the Fort Stewart, GA area saw a notable increase for 2025. The rates rose by 5.6% from the previous year. This adjustment is crucial for offsetting the rising cost of living in the local region, which includes Liberty County and Bryan County. For example, a soldier with dependents typically receives approximately 15.0% more BAH than a soldier without dependents, reflecting the economic reality of supporting a family off-base.

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New Infrastructure: UEPH Barracks

In a major investment toward improving troop living conditions, the Army has moved forward with the construction of new Unaccompanied Enlisted Personnel Housing (UEPH) Barracks. This project is part of a larger, long-term effort to replace aging facilities and ensure modern, high-quality housing for single and unaccompanied soldiers. The construction contracts, managed through systems like SAM.gov, show a strong commitment to infrastructure modernization at the installation, which is a key component of the Army's Force Structure Transformation Initiative.

Update 3: The 3rd Infantry Division's High Operational Tempo

The 3rd Infantry Division’s mission as a power projection platform means its units are constantly training and deploying. Late 2025 has been no exception, with two major updates on their readiness and global posture:

Recent Major Training: Spartan Density Training

In October 2025, the 3ID executed a major, month-long field exercise known as Spartan Density Training. This comprehensive training series is designed to ensure and improve the lethality and combat readiness of the division. Key components included M109A7 Paladin crews conducting live-fire exercises and other units engaging in Team Force on Force scenarios. This rigorous exercise is a testament to Fort Stewart’s massive training area—one of the largest military reservations east of the Mississippi River—which is essential for maneuvering large, mechanized forces like the Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs).

Deployment of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), a critical component of the 3ID and often operating out of Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) in Savannah, is scheduled for a major deployment to Europe. This rotation is part of the regular, continuous presence of U.S. forces in the European Command area, where the 3rd CAB will replace another unit to support deterrence and defense operations. This deployment highlights the strategic importance of Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield as the primary hub for deploying armored and aviation assets overseas.

Update 4: Recent Safety and Security Incidents

In mid-2025, Fort Stewart and its satellite installation, Hunter Army Airfield, experienced a serious security situation that led to a base-wide lockdown and drew national attention. In August 2025, an active shooter incident was reported, which resulted in five soldiers being wounded.

The incident, which involved a "person in distress" in the Bryan Village housing area, prompted an immediate and comprehensive lockdown while military police and other law enforcement agencies secured the area. Brig. Gen. John W. Lubas, the Commanding General, briefed the media on the situation, underscoring the severity of the event and the coordinated response. The suspect was charged by the military with attempted murder and aggravated assault. This unfortunate incident has led to increased scrutiny and focus on mental health resources and security protocols across the installation.

Update 5: The Evolving Role of Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF)

While Fort Stewart is the training and maneuver hub, its sister installation, Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) in Savannah, is the logistical and aviation powerhouse. The two bases are functionally one command, known as Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield.

HAAF is the base of operations for the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, which is currently preparing for its European deployment. It also plays a vital role in receiving and deploying equipment and personnel via its strategic airfield access. Recent developments show an increased focus on drone-enabled aviation and high-tech flight operations at HAAF, reflecting the Army’s shift toward modernizing its air combat and reconnaissance capabilities. The seamless integration of the two installations—Fort Stewart providing the maneuver space and HAAF providing the air support—is what makes the combined post the "Premier Power Projection Platform" on the East Coast.