Navy Admiral Updates Senate on Submarine Nuclear Reactor Production

Submarine Reactor Project Status

• 🚢 Admiral William J. Houston confirms that the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is on track with the Columbia construction project.
• 💡 The first reactor for the Columbia-class submarine is ready and awaiting shipment to Electric Boat, with the second reactor core at 75% completion.
• ✅ Key components like steam generators, pressurizers, and reactor coolant pumps are on schedule to meet required in-yard dates.
• ⚙️ The turbine generator, a previously concerning component, is being outfitted and tested at Electric Boat and is not on the critical path for the Columbia's delivery.

Pit Production for Nuclear Weapons

• 🎯 Los Alamos National Laboratory has achieved a milestone by producing the first diamond-stamped war reserve W87-1 pit.
• 📈 Efforts are underway to reach a production rate of at least 30 pits per year at Los Alamos by approximately 2028, with further improvements planned for the early 2030s.
• 🏗️ This involves clearing old equipment to make space for new glove boxes and capabilities.
• 🏭 At the Savannah River Plutonium Production Facility, the design is expected to reach 90% completion by calendar year 2026, aiming for initial production by 2032 and a rate of at least 50 pits per year.

Staffing and Hanford Concerns

• ❓ Senator King requested an analysis of staffing levels, noting the loss of key personnel at Hanford, for the record.
• 📝 Mr. Gerald will provide background information on this staffing issue separately.