The National Nuclear Security Administration
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) was established by Congress in 2000, and serves as a semi-autonomous agency within DOE responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA designs and delivers a safe, secure, reliable, and effective U.S. nuclear stockpile; offers technical and policy solutions to enhance arms control, counter nuclear proliferation and terrorism, and respond to nuclear or radiological incidents and accidents; provides nuclear propulsion to power a global U.S. Navy; and leverages transformative technologies to address emerging challenges.
Design, Build, and Deliver the Nation's Nuclear Stockpile
Since the Manhattan Project in the 1940s, DOE has had the sole responsibility in the U.S. government for the design and delivery of nuclear weapons, with an emphasis on performance without failure or accidents. DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear stockpile that is effective against our adversaries.
To produce reliable weapons that never fail, we rely on unparalleled science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing.
How do we make sure a nuclear weapon always works as intended and never detonates unintentionally? We use the world's fastest supercomputers, powerful lasers, and other transformative technologies to simulate the most extreme conditions and run experiments. It's all led by a world-class workforce in cutting-edge facilities across the country, who comprise what we call the Nuclear Security Enterprise.
Forge Solutions That Enable Global Security and Stability
We are working towards a world with fewer nuclear risks through our efforts in nonproliferation, arms control, and counterterrorism. NNSA is responsible for:
- Minimizing weapons-usable nuclear materials around the world
- Promoting effective safeguards and security of nuclear materials globally and advancing peaceful nuclear uses
- Developing monitoring and verification technologies for nuclear agreements
- Preventing terrorists from acquiring and smuggling nuclear materials
- Training personnel globally on recognizing and controlling sensitive goods and equipment, as well as preparing for emergencies
- Equipping and training first responders across the United States for effective response to nuclear incidents
Harness the Atom to Power a Global Naval Fleet
NNSA partners with the U.S. Navy to provide naval nuclear propulsion to power our nation’s submarines and aircraft carriers. America’s nuclear-powered warships lead a global fleet with unrivaled responsiveness, endurance, stealth, and warfighting capability.
Since the program started in 1948, it has maintained an unmatched record of more than 171 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power.
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October 22, 2024