WASHINGTON, D.C.— Leaders in national defense, academia, and industry gathered in the nation’s capital last week to spotlight Indiana’s growing role in military innovation. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane earned high praise from top U.S. Navy officials.
Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander of United States Fleet Forces Command, addressed Indiana’s congressional delegation during the 2025 Team Crane Congressional Breakfast, emphasizing the crucial role technological superiority plays in modern warfare. Caudle credited Crane with giving U.S. forces an edge that extends far beyond tactics and training.
“Crane doesn’t hesitate,” Caudle said. “Their innovation cycles move at breakneck speed, pushing us ahead of the curve and enabling the Navy to field advanced capabilities not just for tomorrow, but for today’s fight.”
Hosted by Sens. Todd Young and Jim Banks, and Reps. Mark Messmer and Erin Houchin, the event brought together lawmakers, defense officials, and industry representatives to highlight strategic developments in Indiana’s defense sector. The breakfast was part of a broader effort to showcase the work being done at Naval Support Activity Crane, Crane Army Ammunition Activity, and NSWC Crane.
Describing NSWC Crane as “a beacon of awesomeness,” a term first coined by Rep. Houchin during last year’s event, Caudle praised the facility’s ability to rapidly field solutions in high-stakes areas like hypersonics and electronic warfare.
“Every new capability is born with an expiration date,” Caudle said. “If we hesitate, we fall behind.”
Rep. Houchin, R-Ind., reiterated her support for Crane and its mission.
“Crane isn’t just a major employer in Southern Indiana—it’s a national asset,” Houchin said. “Its innovative work is critical to keeping our country strong, secure, and ready for what lies ahead.”
This year’s event also served as a platform for updates on Crane’s expanding role in hypersonics, an area the Department of Defense has identified as a key modernization priority. A new research, development, test, and evaluation facility focused on hypersonic systems is slated for completion later this year.
Other speakers at the breakfast included Purdue University President Mung Chiang; Brig. Gen. Daniel Duncan, commander of the Joint Munitions Command; Van Hendry, executive director of Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems; and Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of Strategic Systems Programs.
The Crane Regional Defense Group (CRDG) played a central role in organizing the event. CRDG President Kent Parisien served as emcee and underscored the importance of maintaining strong advocacy for Crane’s mission.
“Events like the Congressional Breakfast allow our partners in government and industry to come together, exchange ideas, and champion the critical work being done in Southern Indiana,” Parisien said.
The breakfast was sponsored by the Applied Research Institute, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Radius Indiana. A companion event, the Congressional Reception, also drew more than 170 attendees from across the national defense community for an evening of networking and collaboration.
Partial credit to SIBR for quotes and information
