The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, made a significant visit Wednesday to the Naval Support Activity facilities in Crane.
Wednesday was specifically a historical mark for Crane facilities as Secretary Carter, is the first Secretary of Defense to ever visit the facilities. It was also a significant moment as the state of Indiana celebrates its Bicentennial while Crane is celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary this year as well.
Secretary Carter was invited by U.S. Senator, Joe Donnelly, with the purpose to demonstrate the function and capabilities that the Naval Surface Warfare Center has accomplished as it pertains to equipment and technology used for the nation’s security.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center along with the Crane Army Ammunition Activity, are two of the largest tenants at the NSA Crane base.
Currently, the NSA Crane base is one of Indiana’s largest employers as it also holds the distinction of being the third largest U.S. Navy installation in the world with an annual business base of approximately $2 billion.
During his visit, Secretary of Defense Carter, addressed the media by providing insight on changes in technology and how Crane demonstrates a quality workforce while facing innovation.
Carter elaborated that Crane not only has a bright future due to their rapid operations but also with their technology that is critical to the country’s security.
He also added that this is possible as Crane holds ‘technical talent’ that contributes to the innovation of the nations defense department through their work at Crane.
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly stated that it was a great honor to host Carter. He adds that its especially a great opportunity for Carter to witness firsthand the work thousands of Hoosiers invest in working behind the scenes.
Senator Donnelly also briefly provided his reasons for voting down proposals of gun control.
Donelly says there is a group of people coming up with alternative ideas and that he is a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment but that priority should be placed on keeping the people of the nation safe.
With such a historic visit from Carter many representatives from all the entities were on hand witness and partake in yesterday’s event. Among those was Jasper native and Northeast Dubois alumni, Kyle Werner, who is also the Department Director of Applied Science at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division. Werner elaborates on the significance of Carter’s visit.
Werner states that this visit was a historic event in the making and a momentous occasion. He says that there are around 100 employees from Dubois County with the majority who are from Jasper that work at Crane as scientists and engineers.
18WJTS, would like to thank Public Affair Officers, Brett Day from NSWC Crain Division, Thomas Peske from Crane Army Ammunition Activity, and Jeff Nagan from Naval Support Activity Crane for keeping us informed throughout our time at the Crane facilities.
