Southern Indiana Business Report
CRANE – 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 Naval 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.”
Cornett succeeds Col. Franyate Taylor, who is headed to her new assignment as chief of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command in Fort Knox in Kentucky where she will direct staff operations and synchronize theater-wide sustainment missions across U.S. Army Central Command, or CENTCOM.
Taylor assumed command of CAAA in July 2023. During Taylor’s time as commander, CAAA completed a $31 million modernization of its rail yard that improved efficiency and safety.
Duncan said Taylor made safety a priority and oversaw the launch of four safety programs to better protect the workforce.
“Col. Taylor’s influence will be felt at Crane Army for years to come,” Duncan said.
Taylor said it was an honor to lead the mission and workforce at CAAA and praised the CAAA employees for their tireless dedication to their jobs.
“Your contributions to our nation’s defense are unparalleled and your professionalism sets a high standard for everyone. I have no doubt you will continue to keep CAAA as a top provider of munitions for our warfighters,” she said.
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 October 1977, it is located on Naval Support Activity Crane.