[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY CRANE'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize the 
incredible Hoosier workforce at Naval Support Activity Crane as it 
celebrates its 75th anniversary on Thursday, December 1.
  Crane was established on December 1, 1941, as a naval ammunition 
depot to produce, test, and store ordnance away from American 
coastlines. Today this Indiana facility is the third largest naval 
installation in the world and one of our Nation's most important 
military laboratories.
  With more than 5,000 employees, Crane supports not only our national 
security, but our local, regional, and State economies as well. The 
Hoosier men and women at Crane Army Ammunition Activity and Naval 
Surface Warfare Center Crane work on some of our most critical and 
sensitive military missions. Its dedication and hard work helps keep 
our Nation safe and ensures that our servicemembers are able to 
successfully complete their missions and return home safely.
  The 750 Hoosiers of the Crane Army Ammunition Activity produce, 
store, and supply conventional munitions for ground, sea, and air 
forces. Its expertise is essential to the ability of our warfighters to 
succeed on the battlefield.
  At Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Hoosiers support America's 
national defense through work on our nuclear deterrent, electronic 
warfare capabilities, missile defense technology, and special 
operations. Its efforts give our Nation a strategic edge. The 
technological developments generated at NSWC Crane directly support the 
most critical components of U.S. national security in an efficient, 
cost-effective way.
  As our Nation faces new challenges from advanced adversaries, the 
need for cutting-edge technology is more important than ever. The 
Department of Defense has lauded Crane for its work to ensure we have 
the most technologically advanced military in the world in new areas 
like hypersonic systems. NSA Crane has also demonstrated leadership in 
creating effective partnerships between the military, academic 
institutions, and the industrial base. These partnerships allow Crane 
to leverage independent expertise and expand the knowledge and capacity 
of those serving at the facility.
  In June, it was an honor to host Secretary of Defense Ash Carter at 
Crane, marking the first time a Secretary of Defense has visited the 
base in its 75 year history. Secretary Carter got to see Crane's 
innovative work firsthand and called the base a ``national treasure'' 
that will continue to be an integral part of our national security 
efforts for years to come. I am proud to echo that statement and truly 
believe that Crane represents the best of Indiana's tradition of 
service to our country.
  Because of the hard-working employees and military personnel at NSA 
Crane, our Armed Forces are well equipped to defend our Nation and 
support our allies across the globe. Its continued devotion to our 
servicemembers and our country should serve as an example for all.
  I am very proud of NSA Crane's 75-year record of accomplishments and 
continued dedication to creating state-of-the-art solutions for our 
Armed Forces. I believe that NSA Crane and its elite personnel serve a 
unique and essential function for the Department of Defense. On behalf 
of Hoosiers, I congratulate Crane on this special anniversary and for 
making Indiana, our country, and our world safer. I look forward to 
Crane's next 75 years of excellence.

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