Thornberry receives NNSA honor at Pantex

National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator & Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty and US Representative Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) were on hand August 21 for celebrated milestones at Pantex, including the NNSA’s 20th anniversary.

The NNSA is a United States federal agency responsible for safeguarding national security through the military application of nuclear science.

“In June you completed the W88 Alt 370 First Production Capability Unit (FPCU) disassembly and inspection, which will be analyzed and incorporated prior to the start of the First Production Unit,” said Gordon-Hagerty.

“Similarly, the B61-12 Life Extension Program’s FPCU is targeted for this month. This L-E-P will improve the weapon’s safety, effectiveness, and security, and extend its service life by at least 20 years.”

Gordon-Hagerty noted that in 1999, Congressman Thornberry introduced a bill that served as the foundation for the NNSA Act that was signed into law later that year, along with his presence at the creation when Congress established the NNSA. He thanked her for her leadership and the Pantex workforce for their efforts.

“I appreciate the leadership at Pantex, both the DOE and CNS. And the fact that we are able to celebrate these milestones today…is a credit first and foremost to the workforce at Pantex, and to the leadership at Pantex.”

During the visit, Thornberry received the Administrator’s Distinguished Service Gold Award. It recognizes consistent outstanding leadership and sustained achievements. The Distinguished Service Gold Award is the highest honorary award granted by NNSA.

“That’s my job is to help do their job. Because what they do here at Pantex is foundational to the national security of the United States,” Thornberry said. “It’s so important.”

Gordon-Hagerty acknowledged the efforts being made at Pantex, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“For two decades now, every one of the 50,000 men and women of our workforce – to include the more than 3,000 employees here at Pantex – is making a vital contribution to our national security mission,” she said. “Although it goes without saying that these are not ‘normal’ times, the current environment and your response demonstrate why we as the NNSA and our nation are so very strong.”

While on site, the dignitaries also toured a new athletic track constructed by the Office of Secure Transportation and acknowledged Pantex emergency personnel who are credited with saving lives of victims at accident sites outside of Pantex.