Crane Army leads the way for Joint Munitions Command

By Ms. Hayley Smith (AMC)July 1, 2019

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

This brief was the first of its kind among JMC's subordinate commands and served as a platform to present the strategic outlook for the organization to JMC.

Earlier this year, the Activity developed a Crane Army Road to Excellence strategy which focused on how the organization will expand upon its ability to provide munitions readiness to Warfighters, how it will adapt to the needs of the future Joint Force and how CAAA will invest in and develop its most valuable asset, its people.

Letcher outlined the importance for the briefing and what it means for the organization.

"This session allows me the opportunity to see how the execution at our plants, arsenals, depots and activities are nested with the intent of our most senior leaders." Letcher said.

Commanders for Crane Army rotate every two years. The CARE plan also provides a road map for the incoming CAAA commander. The outgoing commander, Col. Michael Garlington, will relinquish command to Col. Stephen Dondero upon the completion of Garlington's two-year assignment at Crane Army on July 2.

"The CARE lays out how Crane Army will achieve its long-term goals and will give the incoming commander some runway to get his command tour 'airborne'," Garlington said. "I'm confident that this plan will keep Crane Army nested with JMC, Army Materiel Command and Army goals while continuing to be the best ammo depot in the world."

Dondero laid out his vision for the organization once he takes command July 2.

"I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity to lead Crane Army. This brief gives me the opportunity to better understand the CARE plan and synchronize my vision with the Army, AMC and JMC as we prepare for the future," Dondero said.

Letcher approved of the CARE plan and Crane Army's path for the future.

"Today's update just solidified the excellence that Crane Army demonstrates every day," Letcher said. "The work toward increasing readiness, modernization efforts and the care of our workforce was threaded in every discussion. Very impressive."

The brief coincided with Crane Army's change of command, providing an opportunity for the new commanders of Crane Army's subordinate installations, Letterkenny Munitions Center and Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, to inform Brig. Gen. Letcher on their goals for their organizations. Longtime Milan Army Ammunition Plant Commander's Representative Tom Nowell also provided an update on Milan's operations.

"The CARE allowed LEMC Commander Lt. Col. Dennis Williams and IAAAP Commander Lt. Col. Eric Schilling to set the stage with Brig. Gen. Letcher as new battalion commanders," Garlington said.

Crane Army Ammunition Activity produces and provides conventional munitions requirements in support of U.S. Army and Joint Force readiness. It is one of 17 installations of the Joint Munitions Command and one of 23 organic industrial bases under the U.S. Army Materiel Command, which include arsenals, depots, activities and ammunition plants. Established Oct. 1977, it is located on Naval Support Activity Crane.