An event at a Southern Indiana military base this week highlights the increasing role Hoosiers play in developing military technologies.
Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein visited Crane's Naval Surface Warfare Center Monday along with several Indiana Congressmen.
The tour follows several other high-profile visits to Crane Naval Base in the past year, including the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Senators Joe Donnelly (D) and Todd Young (R) and Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-9th District) also attended.
A focus of the event was the Navy and Air Force's partnership for providing a reliable nuclear deterrent.
Sandy Zehr is the Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for Crane Naval Base. He says these visits signal the growing relevance of Crane for all branches of the military.
"Crane is seen as having a role in technical leadership, and I think that's a key factor in why these high-ranking officials are coming to visit," he says.
Zehr says during his visit, General Goldfein assured base officials the Air Force would continue to invest in working with Crane.
Read statements on the visit from Senators Donnelly and Young and Representative Hollingsworth:
Joe was joined by @SenToddYoung and @RepTrey to welcome @GenDaveGoldfein , Chief of Staff of the @usairforce , to @NAVSEACrane . They discussed Crane's role in the national defense, potential avenues for an increased Air Force presence at Crane. Read Joe's statement: pic.twitter.com/lHikIqJVtF — Senator Joe Donnelly (@SenDonnelly) January 8, 2018
Proud to welcome @usairforce General Goldfein to @NAVSEACrane w/ @SenToddYoung and @SenDonnelly . As rogue nations like North Korea and Iran continue to threaten American lives, I was proud to support hard-working Hoosiers who are working tirelessly to protect Americans. pic.twitter.com/4pOfejQ9Ja — Trey Hollingsworth (@RepTrey) January 8, 2018
. @NAVSEACrane plays a critical role in supporting our warfighters and keeping our country safe. Honored to help host @usairforce Chief of Staff @GenDaveGoldfein at Crane today for important visit: https://t.co/xHdpYrTOIg — Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) January 8, 2018