Delivering Quality Munitions: Reflections of the Past

By Capt. Amy CraneDecember 26, 2018

CRANE, Ind. - Over the years, many things have changed, people came and left, but one thing remained constant at Crane Army: the mission of delivering quality munitions to the Warfighter.

Stan Armstrong began his career at Crane back in 1966 as an Engineer on the Navy side of Crane. In 1969 he transitioned to the Navy Ordnance Department due to his desire for a more hands-on position. October 1, 1977 the ordnance department transitioned to the U.S. Army. It was then that Armstrong began his Army career at Crane. He went on to serve in several supervisory positions. The last three and a half years Armstrong served as the Civilian Executive Assistant for Crane Army, fulfilling his lifelong goal.

Looking back over his time at Crane Army, two things that stood out in his mind; the hardworking people at Crane and quality assurance.

Armstrong remembered a time when he helped with a rush order outload of 16-inch bank chargers.

"I went out to the building and was walking the line and there was a lady there and she had blisters on her fingers and hands," Armstrong said. "I asked, 'Are you okay?' She said, 'I'm fine, we have to get this shipment out!' It's just the way people are here and it's what makes us special and it's always been that way."

The other thing that's always been constant is the quality of work Crane Army provides. Armstrong stressed the importance of having a quality product for the Warfighter.

"The Warfighter on the receiving end needs the munitions to go boom the first time," Armstrong said. "His life may depend on it."

Armstrong retired from Crane Army in 2002. When asked how Crane Army can be better in the future, his answer came back to munitions readiness.

"We need to be quicker," Armstrong said. "We need to get products in the hands of Warfighters as fast as we possibly can."

Crane Army continues to lead the way in the Organic Industrial Base, providing quality munitions to the Warfighter. Crane Army also prides itself on the hard-working, passionate workers throughout the organization. Safety, quality and efficiency are enduring priorities, but remained a focus at Crane Army over the years.

Crane Army Ammunition Activity produces and provides conventional munitions requirements in support of U.S. Army and Joint Force readiness. It is one of 14 installations of the Joint Munitions Command and one of 23 organic industrial base installations under the U.S. Army Materiel Command, which include arsenals, depots, activities and ammunition plants.