The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) will conduct low-altitude helicopter flights over downtown Washington D.C., Monday, December 2 through Friday, December 13 in support of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration.
National Nuclear Security Administration
November 21, 2024
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WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) will conduct low-altitude helicopter flights over downtown Washington D.C., Monday, December 2 through Friday, December 13 in support of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration.
NNSA’s Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) Aerial Measuring System aircraft will measure expected background radiation as part of standard preparations to protect public health and safety during the event.
The public may see a Leonardo AW-139 helicopter, which is equipped with radiation sensing technology. The helicopter will fly at relatively low levels.
These surveys are a normal part of security and emergency preparedness activities. NNSA is making the public aware of the upcoming flights so citizens who see the low-flying aircraft are not alarmed.
More information and video footage of NNSA’s Aerial Measuring System is available online.
NEST is an element of the Nation’s nuclear or radiological emergency response capability.