WASHINGTON (WOWO):  A new senior military leadership position is headed to Naval Support Activity Crane in southern Indiana, a move supporters say will strengthen the installation’s role in developing advanced defense technologies.

According to Sen. Jim Banks, the Department of Defense has assigned a one-star Reserve Flag Officer to the Crane installation, marking a significant expansion of the base’s leadership structure.

Banks said the addition will bring increased authority, manpower and opportunities for high-skilled jobs to Indiana.

The new position is tied to oversight and management of advanced weapons programs, including hypersonic and missile systems, which have become a growing focus of U.S. military modernization efforts.

According to Banks, the leadership upgrade reflects the strategic importance of Crane’s work in national defense and emerging military technologies.

Located in southern Indiana, Naval Support Activity Crane is one of the Navy’s largest installations and serves as a major center for research, development, testing and sustainment of defense systems.

Supporters say the new assignment is expected to strengthen the installation’s role in critical weapons development programs while bringing additional resources and personnel to the facility.

The Department of Defense has not announced when the new flag officer will officially assume the position.