Chief of Naval Operations Visits NSWC Crane during Roll out of Project 33

​The United States Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti (CNO) visited Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane) on Feb 10. Adm. Franchetti toured several facilities and learned about NSWC Crane’s work on cutting-edge technologies.
 
“It was an honor to host Adm, Franchetti, and show her how NSWC Crane is working tirelessly to aid the warfighter,” said NSWC Commanding Officer Capt.. Boonyobhas.
 
During her tour, Franchetti also spoke to civilian and military team members about the importance of the work they are doing.
 
In Fall 2024, Adm. Franchetti rolled out the   Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy, her strategic guidance to the Navy.

“Our Navy is the most powerful Navy in the world, but it doesn't do anything without cutting-edge technology and the people who develop and operate it. For well over 80 years Crane, Indiana has been making a difference for the warfighter, and that was evident in everything I saw today,” said Franchetti. “You provide critical warfighting capability from readiness and modernization to the kinetic and non-kinetic effects we need to deter – and defeat – any adversary.”
 
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) that enables the NAVPLAN through its mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare.
 
“NSWC Crane’s depth of experience and technical excellence make us an indispensable member of the force behind the fleet,” said Capt. Rex Boonyobhas, NSWC Crane Commanding Officer. “Our mission expertise puts us in a great position to aid in accomplishing Project 33’s strategic goals.”
 
NSWC Crane’s Strategic Priorities of Fleet Readiness and Modernization, Hypersonics, Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations, and Autonomous Systems have direct alignment with key areas of Project 33, the seven areas of CNO’s Navigation Plan where she will put her thumb on the scale to raise the Navy’s baseline level of readiness by 2027. NSWC Crane’s priorities are also closely aligned with the CNO’s 3 priorities of warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them.
 
“Our Strategic Priorities establish a technological roadmap to achieve long-term goals that increase capabilities and ensures the Fleet remains the world’s preeminent fighting force,” said Dr. Angie Lewis, SES, NSWC Crane’s Technical Director. “They encompass a forward-thinking framework designed to bolster innovation, operational efficiency, and resource allocation. These priorities ensure NSWC Crane supports the Navy’s mission with progressive technical solutions to advance Warfighting capabilities.”
 
With a new international landscape and challenges ahead, the Department of the Navy remains steadfast in its obligation to maintain peace for Americans at home and abroad, and warfare centers like NSWC Crane maintain their position as a key component in helping the Navy achieve its mission.
 
NSWC Crane has a STEM partnership with over 40 area schools, providing education opportunities to over 10,000 students annually, and CNO engaged with a group of elementary school students participating in the program.
 
“Being in the Navy is really fun, you can operate ships, submarines, and planes – from seabed to space, and work alongside Allies and partners to defend our nation,” Franchetti told the 4th grade students. “I joined the Navy for free college and to see the world, but I stayed for the mission and the teams we get to be a part of. With over 150 job specialties, there’s something for everyone. I hope you will think about joining our Navy team.”