Fort Stewart, Georgia—A routine Wednesday morning at Fort Stewart, the largest U.S. Army installation on the East Coast, was shattered by an active shooter incident that led to a swift lockdown and left five soldiers injured. The attack, which occurred in the area of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, prompted an immediate and extensive law enforcement response.

According to official statements from Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, reports of a shooting emerged just before 11:00 a.m. local time. The base quickly sealed all its gates and issued a "shelter-in-place" order for personnel in the affected areas. All three elementary schools on the installation, which serve nearly 1,400 students, were also placed on lockdown as a precaution. Nearby public schools also took similar safety measures.

The shooter was apprehended approximately 30 minutes after the initial report, and officials were quick to confirm that there was no longer an active threat to the community. The five injured soldiers were treated on-site by emergency medical personnel before being transported to Winn Army Community Hospital for further care. Details on the severity of their injuries have not been released.

The swift and coordinated response by base law enforcement and other emergency services was credited with containing the situation and apprehending the suspect quickly. The FBI's Savannah office and the Army's Criminal Investigation Division are now collaborating to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, whose district includes Fort Stewart, both released statements expressing their sadness over the tragedy and offering prayers for the victims and their families. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges even within a highly controlled military environment. The base has since lifted the lockdown, but the investigation into the motives and details of the attack is ongoing.

All About Fort Stewart: The Eastern Seaboard's Premier Training and Power Projection Platform

Fort Stewart, located in southeast Georgia, stands as a cornerstone of the U.S. Army's mission and readiness. As the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River, it plays a vital role in national defense and is a hub of military activity.

History and Evolution

Fort Stewart's origins trace back to 1940, in the lead-up to World War II, when it was established as an anti-aircraft artillery training facility named Camp Stewart. The post was named after General Daniel Stewart, a Revolutionary War and War of 1812 hero. During WWII, the camp also served as a training site for other personnel and even a prisoner of war camp for German and Italian soldiers.

After the Korean War, Camp Stewart's role evolved, and in 1956, it was officially redesignated as a permanent installation, becoming Fort Stewart. The post shifted its focus to armor and artillery training, leveraging its vast land area. This massive installation, which sprawls across approximately 280,000 acres over several counties, has since become a critical training ground for a variety of military units.

Mission and Strategic Importance

Fort Stewart and its subordinate installation, Hunter Army Airfield in nearby Savannah, form a powerful combination for military operations. Its primary mission is to serve as the Army's premier training and power projection platform on the Eastern Seaboard. This means the installation is responsible for training, equipping, deploying, and redeploying active and reserve component Army units. The sheer size of the post allows for simultaneous training exercises for tanks, field artillery, helicopter gunnery, and small arms.

The strategic importance of Fort Stewart is further amplified by its proximity to Hunter Army Airfield. This airfield features the Army's longest runway on the East Coast, enabling the rapid deployment of troops and equipment anywhere in the world. The combination of extensive training ranges and a world-class airfield makes Fort Stewart a vital asset for the Department of Defense.

Major Units and Tenant Organizations

Fort Stewart is perhaps best known as the home of the storied 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), also known as the "Rock of the Marne." The division's headquarters and its subordinate units, including two armored brigade combat teams, an aviation brigade, and a division sustainment brigade, are stationed at the post.

In addition to the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart hosts a number of other important tenant units, including:

The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team

The 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade

The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

The 188th Infantry Brigade

The 92nd Engineer Battalion

The 385th Military Police Battalion

The 15th Air Support Operations Squadron (USAF)

The presence of these diverse units highlights the installation's role as a multi-faceted training and operations center for both the Army and other branches of the military.

A Pillar of the Community

Fort Stewart's impact extends beyond its military mission. It is a major economic driver for the Coastal Georgia region. With thousands of military personnel, their families, and civilian employees, the post has a substantial economic footprint, contributing billions of dollars to the local economy. The community around the base, particularly the city of Hinesville, is deeply intertwined with the life of the installation.

From its humble beginnings as an anti-aircraft training camp, Fort Stewart has grown into a vast, modern military installation. It is a vital training ground, a key power projection platform, and a central hub for the men and women who serve in the U.S. Army.