RICHMOND, Ky. -- The Honorable Katherine Hammack, an Assistant Secretary of the Army (ASA), was hosted January 12 and 13, 2016, by Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) Commander Colonel Lee G. Hudson, along with Depot officials representing the Blue Grass Chemical Activity (BGCA) and the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP).
Ms. Hammack, one of five presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed ASAs, is the primary advisor to the U.S. Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army on all matters related to installation policy, energy management and environmental policy.
Although her visit was predicated on the recent announcement by BGCAAP officials that construction of the chemical plant was essentially complete, the Assistant Secretary came to BGAD to review all aspects of the Depot's conventional ammunition mission as well as the chemical weapons missions of BGCA and BGCAPP.
"I've been wanting to visit Blue Grass for some time, but wanted to wait until the chemical plant was complete," says Hammack, "and it was worth the wait. There's a reason the Army classifies Blue Grass as a 'special' installation. It's a unique blend of separate organizations performing uniquely different but well-coordinated missions. I was impressed with all the operations, as well as with the installation's leadership and workforce."
Part of Ms. Hammack's message to leadership included partnering for energy cogeneration and reducing underutilized infrastructure -- all designed to help reduce the Army's budgetary outlays while providing a more efficient, safe and quality work environment. "Ultimately, we need installations that are resilient and which can remain operational through any scenario."
During her visit, the special Pentagon visitor also was provided a rare aerial tour of the 15,000 acre installation aboard a Blackhawk helicopter, courtesy of the Kentucky National Guard and The Adjutant General, Brigadier General Stephen R. Hogan.
On Tuesday evening, Madison County Judge Executive Reagan Taylor and Richmond Mayor Jim Barnes joined Ms. Hammack and BGAD leadership for dinner.
"It's always a great pleasure when I can meet with local elected officials and learn more about the communities in which our installations operate," relays Ms Hammack. "Judge Taylor and Mayor Barnes certainly are impressive in relaying their county and city initiatives that I'm sure will have profound impacts on the future growth and stability of the community, as well as the Depot."
"It certainly was a honor for me and all the organizational leaders and our workforces to have hosted Ms. Hammack," says Colonel Hudson. "She not only gave us her undivided attention for two days, but she also provided BGAD, BGCA and BGCAPP leaders with a top level Army perspective that provided invaluable information and direction for this entire installation going forward."
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