Gordon-Hagerty was joined by U.S. Rep. Thornberry to survey and celebrate the continuing efforts of the Pantex workforce
WASHINGTON – Last week, Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and U.S. Department of Energy’s Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, continued her tour of the Nuclear Security Enterprise by visiting the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. U.S. Rep. William “Mac” Thornberry joined the Administrator’s visit where they met with members of the Pantex workforce and toured a number of Pantex facilities.
Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of NNSA’s creation, Administrator Gordon-Hagerty continues to make her way across the Nation visiting the agency’s eight laboratories, plants, and sites. Having begun the tour in July with visits to the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina; Sandia National Laboratories and the NNSA Albuquerque Complex in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, she is expecting to complete the tour by year’s end.
The Pantex Plant continues to get the job done even in the face of all the challenges COVID-19 poses.
During her visit to the Pantex Plant, the Administrator and Rep. Thornberry were able to see first-hand the status of ongoing mission work and thank, in person and via video, the over 3,000 dedicated employees who continue working to ensure our national security despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Pantex Plant continues to get the job done even in the face of all the challenges COVID-19 poses,” Administrator Gordon-Hagerty said. “I am grateful that NNSA has not missed any major milestones or deliverables since the start of the pandemic response. It has been the adaptability and dedication of the Pantex workforce during these difficult times that makes continued success possible.”
During the Administrator’s visit to Pantex, she toured several facilities including Zone 12 South to see the continuing work of the B61-12 first production capability units (FPCUs) and the new Pantex history display in the John C. Drummond Center. She also showed her appreciation for the workforce’s commitment to their important mission work throughout the pandemic during an event where she and Rep. Thornberry celebrated the FPCU milestone completion of the W88 Alteration 370.
“Those who work at NNSA sites play an absolutely essential role in American national security,” said Rep. Thornberry. “Their hard work, dedication to the mission, and professionalism are invaluable to keeping us all safe and free. I am particularly grateful to those who at work Pantex, in many ways the central hub of our nuclear deterrent work. They have consistently stepped up to meet any challenge thrown at them over the last 20 years, and every step of the way they have also contributed to our communities. I have always been proud of them, the vital work they do, and the people they are.”
Administrator Gordon-Hagerty has focused her tenure on the people at the heart of NNSA’s mission. In this spirit, she met with Pantexans being recognized as heroes for their incredible efforts offsite which included a water rescue that saved two individuals from drowning and a traffic accident. She also met with a federal agent involved in the tragic 2018 vehicle accident east of Oklahoma City.
Follow the Administrator on Twitter at @LGHNNSA to keep up with her travels.
