Fort Rucker, Military Base

U.S. Army Soldiers attending Class 23-001 of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Rucker complete a scenario-driven and mission-oriented situational training exercise to test their physical and mental agility on Dec. 14, 2022. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeeney Sigrah-Ennis)

Fort Rucker is named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient Capt. Edward W. Rucker for extraordinary heroism in World War I. Flying deep behind enemy lines, then-1st Lt. Rucker and his fellow aviators engaged a numerically superior enemy force in a daring aerial battle over France, disrupting enemy movements and completing their mission against overwhelming odds.

Fort Rucker, named U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence in 2008, serves as the headquarters for U.S. Army Aviation. While the garrison command manages the daily operations of the Fort Rucker community, the Aviation Branch Headquarters develops, coordinates and deploys Aviation operations, training and doctrine. The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence also hosts various Army tenant organizations.

Fort Rucker Information

Condition: Operational
Years in Use: 1942 – Present
Controlled by: United States Army (Army Post)
Current Commander: Major General Clair A. Gill
Garrison: 1st Aviation Brigade, 110th Aviation Brigade, 23rd Flying Training Squadron
Base Occupants: 1st Aviation Brigade
Open to the Public: No (The Army Aviation Museum is open to the public. ID and proof of auto insurance are required to enter the installation.)