Col. Santee Vasquez Welcomed as Crane Army’s New Commander

By Mallory HaagJuly 13, 2021

Col. Santee Vasquez Welcomed as Crane Army’s New Commander
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Gavin J. Gardner, the commanding general of Joint Munitions Command, passes the command colors to Col. Santee Vasquez, the incoming commander of Crane Army Ammunition Activity. The passing of the unit colors during the ceremony represents the peaceful and orderly transition of command from one individual to another. After receiving the colors from the outgoing commander, the host commander passes the colors to the incoming commander, entrusting them with the responsibilities of their new command. (Photo Credit: Lindsay Grant, Crane Army Ammunition Activity Public Affairs Office) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Santee Vasquez Welcomed as Crane Army’s New Commander
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Santee Vasquez, incoming commander of Crane Army Ammunition Activity, addresses the audience at the change of command ceremony. Vasquez joins the leadership team at CAAA after serving as chief of staff for the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command. As commander of Crane Army, she will lead a workforce of approximately 700 civilian employees to produce, renovate, store, ship and demilitarize munitions for the Department of Defense. (Photo Credit: Lindsay Grant, Crane Army Ammunition Activity Public Affairs Office) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Santee Vasquez Welcomed as Crane Army’s New Commander
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Stephen Dondero, outgoing commander of Crane Army Ammunition Activity, addresses the audience at the change of command ceremony. Dondero assumed command of Crane Army Ammunition Activity on July 2, 2019, serving at the helm throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The activity navigated providing munitions readiness to the Department of Defense while also implementing protocols to ensure the safety of its approximately 700-strong workforce. (Photo Credit: Lindsay Grant, Crane Army Ammunition Activity Public Affairs Office) VIEW ORIGINAL

Col. Santee Vasquez became the 20th commander of Crane Army Ammunition Activity during a change of command ceremony on July 13. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that symbolizes a peaceful transition of power and recognizes the outgoing commander’s accomplishments while welcoming the incoming commander to the organization.

Vasquez, who is taking the reins at Crane Army after serving at the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, addressed her excitement to work with CAAA’s civilian workforce and eagerness to contribute to projects on the horizon aimed at modernizing and improving the activity.

“It’s no secret that Crane Army is a massive part of establishing our nation’s munitions readiness,” Vasquez said. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside you as we provide readiness for today’s warfighter and the warfighter of the future.”

Leadership from Crane Army’s higher headquarters presided over the ceremony. Brig. Gen. Gavin J. Gardner, the commanding general of Joint Munitions Command, led the event as CAAA’s outgoing commander, Col. Stephen Dondero, transferred command to Vasquez.

Gardner took to the podium to congratulate Vasquez and outlined the impressive experience and leadership skills that she will bring to Crane Army.

“I have had the pleasure of watching Santee Vasquez ably lead organizations and formations in both peacetime and in combat,” said Gardner. “If there is anyone prepared to lead Crane Army, it’s her.”

Gardner also said Dondero’s dedication to Crane Army and accomplishments during his tenure were admirable and that his next post would be lucky to have him as commander.

“For the last two years, Steve Dondero has been instrumental in our efforts to modernize our Organic Industrial Base,” Gardner said. “You have a lot to be proud of with what you and the team have accomplished here. You may be leaving the command, but your impact on CAAA and JMC is one that will last.”

Dondero thanked CAAA for its hospitality and said the workforce should be proud of their unmatched work ethic and experience.

“For the last two years, I have had the honor of working with some of the most experienced, hardworking and enterprising folks I’ve met,” Dondero said. “The dedication that everyone here has to the warfighter is something that will stick with me throughout my career.”

About Crane Army

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.

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