The top U.S. nuclear security official on Thursday expressed confidence about measures to safeguard weapon-grade uranium stored at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported (see GSN, Nov. 7).
"The American people can rest assured this is one of the most well-protected facilities in the world," said Brad Peterson, defense nuclear security chief for the National Nuclear Security Administration. "We are not looking for a fair fight. We want an overwhelming advantage. … The thought of us failing in our security mission is unthinkable."
During a visit to the site, Petersen watched security personnel conduct an exercise at the new $2 million Tactical Training Facility, built two miles west of Y-12. The facility and a $1.4 million Live Fire Shoot House, both dedicated Thursday, will be used to train security personnel from U.S. nuclear sites to counter terrorist intruders.
Petersen also received details on the results of security inspections over the last several months at Y-12 (Frank Munger, Knoxville News Sentinel, Nov. 7).