CRANE – Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA) welcomed its new commander, Col. Aaron M. Cornett, during a Change of Command ceremony held on July 17. Col. Cornett assumes leadership of the vital defense facility, succeeding Col. Franyate Taylor.
The ceremony, which took place at a logistics facility on Navy Support Activity, Crane, was officiated by Brig. Gen. Daniel Duncan, commander of the Joint Munitions Command (JMC), CAAA’s higher headquarters.
“I am incredibly excited to be here and to join such an amazing team,” Cornett stated in his remarks. “The stellar reputation of Crane Army Ammunition Activity precedes itself, and I will work to build on that legacy to keep Crane at the forefront of the defense industrial base.”
Cornett emphasized CAAA’s critical role in the current national climate. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. There is a renewed emphasis on rebuilding and modernizing the industrial base, and Crane is poised to play a prominent role in becoming more resilient and self-sustaining.”
Brig. Gen. Duncan highlighted Cornett’s extensive background, noting his “wealth of operational, instructional, and leadership experience.” Cornett’s career includes commanding units like the 613th Movement Control Detachment and the 6th Battalion, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Bragg. He also led the 53rd Transportation Battalion at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Beyond his command roles, Cornett has a strong educational background, having served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Kansas, an instructor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a syndicate guiding officer at the Baltic Defense College in Estonia.
“Col. Cornett’s background reflects a commitment to both readiness and coalition engagement, backed by extensive military education and numerous distinguished awards,” Duncan added. “His proven ability to translate complex challenges into clear direction and purpose will ensure continued success for Crane Army’s mission.”
Col. Franyate Taylor, the outgoing commander, will transition to her new assignment as chief of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command in Fort Knox. In this role, she will direct staff operations and synchronize theater-wide sustainment missions across U.S. Army Central Command (CENTCOM).
CAAA, established in October 1977 and located on Naval Support Activity Crane, is a crucial part of the Joint Munitions Command and the U.S. Army Materiel Command. It is responsible for producing and providing conventional munitions to support U.S. Army and Joint Force readiness.
Information: U.S. Army
