Senator Denounces Renaming of Military Bases
A Democratic senator expressed strong objections on Wednesday regarding the decision to revert the names of nine military bases back to those honoring Confederate leaders.
The Pentagon had announced earlier this month that the original names would be reinstated. This decision means that seven bases, previously named after significant individuals, will soon revert to their former names. Earlier this year, Heggs had ordered the renaming of two bases: Fort Liberty and Fort Moore, which became Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, respectively.
Kaine, who represents three of the nine bases originally named after a Confederate general, criticized Heggs for what he called a disregard for “the names of four remarkable individuals chosen by both the Pentagon and the community.” He highlighted the significance of these names.
One of the Virginia bases, now Fort Barfoot, is named for Colonel Van Barfoot, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Fort Walker honors Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to ever receive that same honor and who was a civil war surgeon and abolitionist. Fort Greg Adams is named for Lt. Col. Charity Adams Ely, the first black woman to become an officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary. This was in tribute to Lt. Gen. Arthur Greg.
Additionally, bases such as Fort Pickett, Fort AP Hill, and Fort Lee will also revert to names honoring Confederate generals.
“Why did these four patriots’ names lose their significance enough to be removed?” Kaine asked Hegseth during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
In response, Hegseth claimed the name change “is not about erasing history,” though it appeared to incite further frustration from Kaine.
Kaine retorted that it seemed more about reinstating Confederate names than honoring military records. He questioned how families, like the Greg family, felt upon being informed that their father’s name would no longer be featured.
Hegseth argued that the Army had informed the families of the changes, but Kaine countered that he hadn’t contacted any of them directly.
Kaine insisted that Hegseth refrain from issuing an order for renaming bases, a directive the Pentagon chief resisted.
Hegseth stated, “We recognize their service and will find ways to honor them. But the original names shouldn’t be changed back.”
Later in the hearing, Senator Angus King (I-Maine) criticized Hegseth for his reasoning, suggesting it involved intricate justifications to connect soldiers to Confederate names.
“What drives this decision? I find it hard to understand why we would revert to names of those who fought against our country for slavery,” King inquired. “What motivates this move?”
Hegseth defended the position by saying that service members “feel a connection to these names,” asserting that it was crucial for military morale.
However, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a veteran herself, dismissed that perspective, recalling her training at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
She remarked, “You just told Senator King you prefer older Confederate names. But I have a history with Fort Rucker, named after a traitor who revolted against the U.S. I would much rather see the name change reflect someone like Mike Novosel, a Medal of Honor recipient.”
Duckworth continued, “Can you explain when you actually focused on our military’s core missions?”
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) criticized the changes enacted by Congress in 2021 and implemented in 2023. He praised Hegseth, describing the decision as a sort of “Jacobin fever” sparked by national unrest following the 2020 killing of George Floyd.
He concluded, “This provides an opportunity for a new generation of soldiers to learn about those who came before them.” This shift aligns with the promises made during President Trump’s campaign to restore the original base names.
