Fort Novosel, Ala. (WDNews) – The U.S. Army has begun the official transition to rename Fort Novosel back to Fort Rucker, following a June 16 directive issued under Department of the Army General Orders 2025-18.
The move comes after President Donald Trump announced plans to reverse several Biden-era military base name changes, including six other installations across the country. Fort Novosel, located in Dale County, Ala., was among those selected for rechristening during Trump’s remarks at Fort Bragg in North Carolina last week.
The installation will now honor Captain Edward W. Rucker, a World War I aviator from Missouri who earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during a mission in France.
“Captain Rucker was more than an aviator. He was a warrior, an aviation pioneer, and a testament to the courage that defines Army Aviation,” said Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence. “His legacy is not just in the skies he conquered, but in the fearless determination and bold vision that every Army aviator must embody.”
Maj. Gen. Gill noted the name change will not affect the installation’s ongoing recognition of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Novosel Sr., a Medal of Honor recipient and former Enterprise resident, who was honored in 2023 when the post was renamed Fort Novosel.
“CW4 Mike Novosel’s heroism in battle, his unwavering dedication, and his commitment to the mission will forever be etched in this installation’s history,” Gill said. “His legacy remains a symbol of excellence, of who we want our young aviators to emulate.”
The original Fort Rucker was named after Confederate Col. Edmund Rucker. However, federal law now prohibits military installations from being named after Confederate figures. Trump administration officials say they are selecting new honorees with similar surnames to restore former post names while complying with the law.
All signage and materials at the installation are currently being updated. Officials say a formal renaming ceremony will be held soon, with a date to be announced.
