Brad Ellsworth | CONGRESSMAN FOR THE 8TH DISTRICT OF INDIANA

Washington, Oct 23, 2009 -

Several critical programs at Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center received approval by Congress this week. The programs were authorized as part of the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, which was approved by the House on October 8, 2009 and by the Senate yesterday. Rep. Brad Ellsworth, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, requested the budget priorities be included in the bill.

“Crane has a well-deserved reputation of producing cutting-edge technologies for our armed forces serving around the globe. These funds will build upon that legacy; enabling Crane to continue programs that are essential to our national defense,” said Ellsworth. “We must now work to ensure Congress follows through and provides adequate funding for these critical programs through the Appropriations process.”

The National Defense Authorization Act provides authorization for these programs; however, to receive funding, Congress must also appropriate funds for these programs in the annual Defense Appropriations bill expected later this year.

The following programs were authorized:

Strategic Weapons System Engineering (P-340)
Requesting Entity: NSWC Crane
Amount Authorized:  $13,710,000
Summary:  These funds would be used to construct a next generation strategic weapons systems engineering facility. The project supports the Missile Defense Agency and the Trident D5 strategic missile systems life extension (D5LE) missions and a detachment of the Strategic Weapons Program Office.  This project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the construction of this proposed addition to Building 3334 would provide an adequate and functional facility for Strategic Systems and is the most economically feasible method of satisfying the existing space deficiency. A new facility will be designed to enhance productivity and cost efficiency by providing a secure, safe and efficient working environment and by co-locating personnel, equipment, and functional areas. 

Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures Depot Capability
Requesting Entity: NSWC Crane in partnership with ITT Corporation
Amount Authorized:  $2,000,000
Project Summary:  These funds would be used by the Navy to meet the requirement - organic depot capability - to be able to maintain, repair and replace the electronic warfare system (ALQ-214) on the F/A 18 E/F fighter jet. This effort to provide the machinery and long lead items will allow NSWC Crane to repair and maintain this essential equipment.  This required organic depot capability will ensure pilots fight like they train since more working units will be available for training purposes.  This project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds by standing up an organic depot capability at Crane to reduce repair turnaround times from 180-240 days to 30-45 days and increasing the operational availability rate to the Navy as a result.

Joint Technology Insertion & Accelerated System Integration Capability for Electronic Warfare
Requesting Entity: NSWC Crane in partnership with SAIC
Amount Authorized:  $2,000,000
Project Summary:  These funds would continue the comprehensive Electronic Warfare (EW) Capabilities Analysis Tool for use by strategic planners and will enable functional solution analyses to address critical EW capability gaps identified by the Joint Electronic Warfare Center.  These EW capability gaps require rapid evolution and fielding of solution threats leveraging commercial technology.  This project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because critical work would continue that protects our warfighter.  For example, work would continue on the development of a High Power Fiber Laser (HPFL) -based pod as a Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) for protection against surface-launched and air-to-air Infrared (IR) missiles, a Joint Electronic Attack Unmanned Airborne Vehicle (JEAUAV) communications network jamming package.

National Radio Frequency (RF) R&D and Technology Transfer Center
Requesting Entity: NSWC Crane in partnership with Technology Services Corporation (TSC)
Amount Authorized:  $3,000,000
Project Summary:  These funds would be used to provide an efficient method of transitioning new technologies into Department of Defense (DOD) programs of record to provide for performance improvements at lower cost for the warfighter.  This project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the RF R&D and Technology Transfer Center will provide leadership in transitioning innovative RF and electronic technology into DOD systems; eliminate barriers to technology transfer for bringing products to maturity; provide an incubator/innovator for RF and electronic technology; and coordinate the existing Indiana industrial base by fostering a climate conducive for industrial base growth.

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