HOOKS, Texas—Before government ownership and operations cease next year at the Lone Star Ammunition Plant,

History was made Tuesday at Lone Star Ammunition Plant when a civilian was named manager.

During the change of management ceremony. Maggie Ashlin, took on the lead role - breaking a 55-year tradition of U.S. Army officer serving at the plant’s helm.

“It’s a sweet moment and we will continue to meet production demands as the plant moves toward closure next year,” she said after the unit colors passed briefly to her during the ceremony.

As...