WASHINGTON, D.C. — This year’s Team Crane Congressional Breakfast and Reception had the largest turnout since the breakfast’s inception, with over 250 attendees; speakers, including Sen. Jim Banks and Sen. Todd Young, focused on the importance of Naval Weapons Station Crane as an asset in both national security and economic development in southern Indiana.
The Crane Congressional Reception and Breakfast on Capitol Hill are annual events presented by Applied Research Institute (ARI), Crane Regional Defense Group (CRDG) and Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Together, they bring together government leaders, prime defense contractors, technology firms, small businesses, and academia to network and hear from keynote speakers about important developments to Indiana’s defense ecosystem.
“Indiana is the Crossroads of America but also the Crossroads of the Defense Industrial Base,” said Sen. Banks at the Congressional Breakfast. He went on to describe the immense value that Crane brings to not only national defense, but to the state of Indiana.
As the third largest naval installation in the world, Naval Weapons Station Crane— made up of major tenants Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane and Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA)— is a major employer in Indiana with over 7,000 employees. Surrounding the base, defense contractors are also bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to the region.
“The stars are aligning for Indiana and for Crane,” said Senator Banks. “The best days still lie ahead for Indiana and for Crane.”
Positioned as a national leader of advanced missile and hypersonic testing and development, Crane’s cutting-edge technologies give the warfighter an edge over others. It is this strategic advantage that makes the installation vital to national defense.
“Crane plays a critical role in advancing the capabilities our servicemembers rely on, from UAS and electronic warfare to biotechnology and microelectronics; Crane has no shortage of expertise that it applies to our nation’s hardest challenges,” said Sen. Young. “None of this happens without people. The scientists, engineers, technicians, military personnel, and civilian professionals across Crane are among our nation’s greatest strategic assets, and Congress must continue supporting the workforce that makes these missions possible.”
Senators Banks and Young, Rep. Mark Messmer of Indiana’s 8th District and Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana’s 9th District hosted the Congressional Breakfast, sponsored by ARI, the Federal Manager’s Association (FMA) Crane Chapter 170, and the IEDC. The full list of speakers at the breakfast was:
- Mr. Jay Hein, chief executive officer of Sagamore Institute
- Sen. Todd Young
- Sen. Jim Banks
- Rep. Mark Messmer, Indiana’s 8th District
- Rep. Erin Houchin, Indiana’s 9th District
- Mr. Nathan E. Hawley, director of ammunition for the Army Sustainment Command
- Rear Adm. Michael Richman, deputy portfolio acquisition executive for Strategic Systems Programs for regional deterrence
- HON Michael “Mike” Dodd, assistant secretary of war for critical technologies
- Rear Adm. Thomas J. Dickinson, chief program executive for Combat Systems and Fires
- Vice Adm. Christopher S. Gray, commander of Navy Installations Command
- Mr. William Mahan, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition
- Adm. Richard Correll, commander of U.S. Strategic Command
Recognizing the installation’s role, the Department of War recently approved assignment of a One-Star Reserve Flag Officer from Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs to Crane. The role further reinforces the importance of Crane’s connection to the Navy’s strategic deterrence systems, strengthens operational communication, and raises the visibility of the installation’s mission supporting defense priorities.
At the breakfast, Rear Adm. Richman indicated how NSWC Crane is in itself a powerhouse of innovation, growing infrastructure, and talented personnel, saying, “NSWC Crane is the very bedrock of our Navy’s Foundry.”
”Our strength lies in our people. The culture at Crane is one of dedication and innovation, where our talented workforce comes together to deliver solutions for the warfighter. It’s this commitment from every individual that makes Crane a national asset.” Dr. Angela Lewis, SES Technical Director at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.
As a precursor to the breakfast, CRDG, with help from the IEDC, hosted the annual Congressional Reception on July 14. Over 200 industry personnel, Team Crane members, Indiana congressional delegation, and academia gathered for an evening focused on networking.
“Seeing the attendance at the reception, it’s a reminder of the importance of gathering together in one place, unifying under the mission of advancing the warfighter and protecting our nation,” said Kent Parisien, President of the Crane Regional Defense Group. “We cannot thank those from Team Crane enough for all they do. We will continue to advocate for their work, positioning southern Indiana as a major defense hub that brings advancement and economic development to our nation.”
“We were proud to help convene these events and showcase the role Indiana and the Midwest are playing in advancing innovation that matters to both national security and economic growth,” said Andrew Kossack, CEO of Applied Research Institute. “Strong policy engagement and sustained partnerships are essential to ensuring the capabilities being built in Indiana continue to grow and deliver impact at the national level.”
Southern Indiana will continue to thrive as Crane and its surrounding defense hub further collaborate and innovate based on the connections made at these events. Organizers look forward to seeing how the breakfast and reception will continue to grow in coming years as industry leaders, legislators, and academia continue to support the warfighter.
