Commanders Of Fort Lewis

The history of Fort Lewis, a United States Army base located in the state of Washington, is rich and complex, spanning over a century. Established in 1917, the base has played a significant role in the country's military operations, serving as a training facility, a mobilization site, and a deployment hub for various military units. Throughout its existence, Fort Lewis has been led by numerous commanders, each contributing to the base's growth, development, and mission. This article will delve into the backgrounds and achievements of some of the notable commanders of Fort Lewis, highlighting their experiences, expertise, and the impact they had on the base and its operations.

Early Years and World War I

During its early years, Fort Lewis was led by commanders who oversaw the base’s construction, expansion, and initial operations. One of the first notable commanders was Major General Joseph T. Dickman, who played a crucial role in establishing the base as a major training facility. Under his leadership, Fort Lewis trained thousands of soldiers for World War I, with many going on to serve in France and other parts of Europe. The base’s early success can be attributed to the vision and leadership of commanders like Dickman, who recognized the importance of Fort Lewis in supporting the war effort.

World War II and the Korean War

As the United States entered World War II, Fort Lewis continued to grow and expand under the leadership of commanders like Major General James A. Van Fleet. Van Fleet, a seasoned military officer with extensive combat experience, oversaw the training of numerous units at Fort Lewis, including the 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in preparing soldiers for combat, and many units trained at Fort Lewis went on to distinguish themselves in various theaters of operation. The base’s role in the Korean War was also significant, with commanders like Major General Albert C. Smith playing a key part in mobilizing and deploying troops to the Korean Peninsula.

Modern Era and Joint Base Lewis-McChord

In recent years, Fort Lewis has undergone significant changes, including its merger with McChord Air Force Base to form Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The base is currently led by commanders like Lieutenant General Gary L. North, who oversee the joint operations of the Army and Air Force units. Under North’s leadership, Joint Base Lewis-McChord has continued to support military operations around the world, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The base’s modernization and expansion have also been a focus, with efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance training facilities, and support the well-being of soldiers and their families.

Challenges and Opportunities

As Joint Base Lewis-McChord looks to the future, its commanders face numerous challenges and opportunities. The base must continue to adapt to changing military requirements, technological advancements, and evolving security threats. Commanders like North must balance the need for modernization and expansion with the need to support ongoing military operations and ensure the well-being of soldiers and their families. Despite these challenges, the base remains a vital part of the United States military, and its commanders are well-positioned to lead the way in addressing the complexities of modern warfare.