KINGSPORT, Tenn. -- Brig. Gen. Kristin French, commanding general for the Joint Munitions Command, came to Holston Army Ammunition Plant on November 13 with an important message for the workforce.
French addressed employees of BAE Systems, the operating contractor for HSAAP, as well as members of the government staff, emphasizing teamwork, flexibility, and a focus on the future.
"I'm here because it's important for you to see how you fit into the JMC enterprise," French explained. "You are a very important part of the overall mission."
"BAE is a good company," French stated. "Sometimes you are so good at what you do, you don't get as much attention."
French reassured the group that Holston's efforts are recognized at the headquarters level, and that the site is a valuable asset to the Army.
"You have niche capabilities here that may not be as visible to the Warfighter," French stated. "You are the start…you make the parts that build the whole for the end user."
In reference to recent reports in the media regarding active shooters, French emphasized awareness among the employees.
"Unfortunately, some people use guns and threats as the answer [to workplace conflict]," French said. "Always report something you see that's not right. Take care of each other."
French's message to the workforce is simple: be ready for anything. While the General spoke encouragingly of Holston's position in the defense industry, she emphasized sensitivity of the current budget situation.
"Diversify your skill sets in your departments. Be flexible," she recommended. "With today's uncertain economic and political climate, we know only that there will be change. I want you to be ready."
Holston Army Ammunition Plant is a government-owned, contractor- operated facility located in Kingsport, Tenn. Since 1942, HSAAP has produced chemical explosives in support of our service members and currently produces explosive fills for every type of ordnance used by the United States Department of Defense.
HSAAP is a subordinate installation of the Joint Munitions Command. From its headquarters at the Rock Island Arsenal, JMC operates a nationwide network of conventional ammunition manufacturing plants and storage depots, and provides on-site ammunition experts to U.S. combat units wherever they are stationed or deployed. JMC's customers are U.S. forces of all military services, other U.S. government agencies and allied nations.
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