DoE Review concludes stockpile stewardship powered by ASCI works

 Livermore 10 Dec 99 US Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson released the results a review of the stockpile stewardship program concluding it is sound and developing the science, technology, and production capabilities needed to maintain the long-term safety, security and reliability of the nation's existing nuclear weapons without underground nuclear testing. The Blue Pacific ASCI supercomputer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is an import tool simulating testing.

"The stockpile stewardship program is a cornerstone of our national security, and this review confirms that it is successfully keeping our nuclear deterrent strong, and the American people safe," said Richardson.

"Every year we've seen important advances in the science and capabilities needed to maintain these weapons without nuclear testing, and we believe this progress will continue. This success is a tribute to the scientists, engineers and the other dedicated employees at our laboratories and production plants and I commend them for their hard work and dedication to our national security."

After reviewing the report, Lawrence Livermore National Lab Director Bruce Tarter said "I am extremely pleased at the outcome of the review of the stockpile stewardship program conducted by the Department of Energy for Secretary Richardson.

"His strong endorsement that 'stockpile stewardship is on track' and that it 'is capable of sustaining success long into the future' are accomplishments in which the Laboratory and other members of the nuclear weapons complex can take great pride."

"I am especially gratified at the recognition of our Laboratory's contributions, especially our work on the Blue Pacific Supercomputer, our sub-critical experiments, the refurbishment of the W87 warhead, and most importantly, our ability to provide a certification of the Livermore weapons in the stockpile for a fourth consecutive year."

"I am also particularly pleased at his recommendations to address the human resource issues that are so crucial to the program, and his focus on the long term research environment including support of such programs as Laboratory Directed Research and Development."

"This review reinforces my confidence that we can deliver on our commitment to maintain the nation's deterrent without nuclear testing," said Tarter.

The internal review of the stockpile stewardship program began in October 1999. A copy of the report is available o http://www.dp.doe.gov/dp--web/news--f.htm

 

Ad Emmen

[News on Advanced IT]   [Calendar]   [Analysis]   [IT in Medicine]