Cornett welcomed as new Crane Army commander

By Randy TisorJuly 17, 2025

Col. Aaron M. Cornett, 22nd commander of Crane Army Ammunition Activity, addresses an audience gathered for a July 17 Change of Command ceremony held at Naval Support Activity, Crane.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Aaron M. Cornett, 22nd commander of Crane Army Ammunition Activity, addresses an audience gathered for a July 17 Change of Command ceremony held at Naval Support Activity, Crane. (Photo Credit: Mary Camacho, Crane Army ) VIEW ORIGINAL
Brig. Gen. Daniel Duncan, commander of Joint Munitions Command, passes Crane Army Ammunition Activity organizational colors to Col. Aaron Cornett during a July 17 Change of Command ceremony on Naval Support Activity, Crane. Passing the colors...
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Daniel Duncan, commander of Joint Munitions Command, passes Crane Army Ammunition Activity organizational colors to Col. Aaron Cornett during a July 17 Change of Command ceremony on Naval Support Activity, Crane. Passing the colors signifies the transfer of leadership during the ceremony. (Photo Credit: Mary Camacho, Crane Army ) VIEW ORIGINAL

CRANE, Ind. – Col. Aaron M. Cornett assumed command of Crane Army Ammunition Activity during a Change of Command ceremony held July 17.

The ceremony, officiated by Brig. Gen. Daniel Duncan, commander of the Joint Munitions Command, CAAA’s higher headquarters, took place at a logistics facility on Navy Support Activity, Crane.

“I am incredibly excited to be here and to join such an amazing team,” Cornett said in his ceremony remarks. “The stellar reputation of Crane Army Ammunition Activity proceeds itself, and I will work to build on that legacy to keep Crane at the forefront of the defense industrial base.”

“We are a critical juncture in our nation’s history. There is a renewed emphasis on rebuilding and modernizing the industrial base and Crane is poised to play a prominent role in becoming more resilient and self-sustaining.”

“Col. Cornett brings a wealth of operational, instructional, and leadership experience to his current role as Commander of Crane Army Ammunition Activity,” Duncan said. “Over the course of his career, he has held key positions across transportation, logistics, education, and multinational partnerships.”

Cornett’s assignments have included command at multiple echelons, such as the 613th Movement Control Detachment and the 6th Battalion, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Bragg. He also led the 53rd Transportation Battalion at both Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Cornett also served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Kansas, an instructor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a syndicate guiding officer at the Baltic Defense College in Estonia.

“Col. Cornett’s background reflects a commitment to both readiness and coalition engagement, backed by extensive military education and numerous distinguished awards,” Duncan said. “His proven ability to translate complex challenges into clear direction and purpose will ensure continued success for Crane Army’s mission.”

Col. Franyate D. Taylor delivers here farewell speech to an audience gathered July 17 at Naval Support Activity, Crane for the Crane Army Ammunition Activity Change of Command ceremony.
Col. Franyate D. Taylor delivers here farewell speech to an audience gathered July 17 at Naval Support Activity, Crane for the Crane Army Ammunition Activity Change of Command ceremony. (Photo Credit: Mary Camacho, Crane Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Cornett succeeds Col. Franyate Taylor, who is headed to her new assignment as chief of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command in Fort Knox where she will direct staff

operations and synchronize theater-wide sustainment missions across U.S. Army Central Command, or CENTCOM.

CAAA produces and provides conventional munitions in support of U.S. Army and Joint Force readiness. It is part of the Joint Munitions Command and 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.