MissionsY-12 National Security ComplexY-12_d4f2a144-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2aWith more than 60 years of experience to draw from, Y‑12 is uniquely qualified to address the existing and emerging security challenges facing our nation and the world today. Operated by B&W Y‑12 for the National Nuclear Security Administration NNSA within the Department of Energy, Y‑12 is a one-of-a-kind manufacturing facility that plays an integral role in DOE’s Nuclear Security Enterprise. In this role, Y‑12 provides critical elements of NNSA’s missions that ensure the safety, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons deterrent. Y‑12 also uses its unique capabilities to support the Research Reactors Programs for U.S. and international customers, other federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, state and local governments, and private-sector companies. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Department of EnergyDepartment of DefenseDepartment of Homeland SecurityState GovernmentsLocal GovernmentsPrivate-Sector Companies_d4f2a3a6-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2aEnsure the safety, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons deterrent and support the Research Reactors Programs. _d4f2a4b4-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2aDefense ProgramsSafeguard and support the nation’s nuclear defense._d4f2a586-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a1Y‑12 employs unique processes and technologies to help safeguard and support the nation’s nuclear defense. Y‑12’s main mission is to ensure the U.S. nuclear arsenal is safe, secure, and reliable. Portions of every weapon in the U.S. nuclear stockpile were manufactured at Y‑12, and we employ only the most advanced and failsafe technologies to protect the stockpile.Complex ComponentsManufacture complex components to extremely high levels of precision._d4f2a626-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a1.1Nuclear SubmarinesProcess highly enriched uranium to propel nuclear submarines in the Naval Reactors Program. _d4f2a6ee-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a1.2U.S. NavyManufacturing ChallengesPartner with other federal agencies and industry to apply the best scientific discoveries to real-world manufacturing challenges, developing processes and producing prototypes. _d4f2a7a2-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a1.3Other Federal AgenciesIndustryRetired or Dismantled WeaponsSafeguard special nuclear materials from retired or dismantled weapons. _d4f2a84c-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a1.4Nuclear DeterrentEnsure a safe and reliable nuclear deterrent through assessment, surveillance and refurbishment. _d4f2a900-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a1.5World War II FacilitiesReplace World War II-era facilities to increase efficiency and security, reduce costs and shrink the site to a safer, more manageable size. _d4f2a9b4-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a1.6PrototypesCreate prototypes of complex equipment. _d4f2aa7c-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a1.7Nuclear NonproliferationSecure nuclear materials._d4f2ab3a-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a2We secure nuclear materials out of harm’s way. Nuclear nonproliferation — stopping the spread of nuclear materials — is a critical part of creating a safer world. Y‑12 has been working in nonproliferation since the early 90s in more than 25 countries.Nuclear and Radiological MaterialsSecure nuclear and radiological materials worldwide. _d4f2ac02-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a2.1Much of this work is supported by Global Threat Reduction. Weapons-Usable MaterialEliminate weapons-usable material by down blending it to a less concentrated form._d4f2acd4-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a2.2Office of Fissile Materials DispositionNational Nuclear Security Administration Eliminating weapons-usable material by down blending it to a less concentrated form, low enriched uranium (LEU). An international nonproliferation program is destroying, or down blending, 400 metric tons of highly enriched uranium — equivalent to about 16,000 weapons in the Russian arsenal. As part of our material disposition efforts, Y‑12’s Highly Enriched Uranium Disposition Program Office provides technical support, program planning and implementation of the down blending of surplus highly enriched uranium (HEU) for the National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Fissile Materials Disposition. Research ReactorsFuel research reactors with LEU. _d4f2adba-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a2.3In fact, 80% of the world’s research reactors using LEU get their fuel from Y-12. These reactors test materials and produce medical isotopes for diagnosing and treating disease. ElectricityProvide electrical power. _d4f2aea0-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a2.4Ten percent of all the electricity used in the United States comes from former Russian nuclear weapons. Y-12’s down blending not only eliminates weapons, it supplies nuclear power plants to create electricity. One converted nuclear warhead used in commercial nuclear power can produce enough electricity to power every American home for 2 hours.New TechnologyCreate new technology in support of these missions._d4f2af86-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a2.5We also create new technology in support of these missions. For instance, the ES-3100 Type B shipping container provides safe, secure transportation for nuclear materials. Complementary WorkApply our specialized skill and expertise to other missions of national interest._d4f2b080-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a3We apply our specialized skill and expertise to other missions of national interest. Decades of precision work at Y‑12 have created exceptional expertise in many areas. Through such expertise and innovative technology, Y‑12 protects both people and the environment and tackles new missions, including complementary work for other government agencies and private industry. Y‑12 has developed state-of-the-art capabilities in a broad range of areas, including: * Manufacturing and Technical Services * Nuclear Technology and Materials * Security and Consequence Management The capabilities attained at Y‑12 in performing weapons work uniquely qualify it to make critical contributions to other missions of national interest. Today Y‑12 lends its specialized expertise to other federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, state and local governments and private-sector companies. Y‑12 projects run the gamut from supporting soldiers in combat to making our states safer to enhancing space missions. Applying our capabilities to these missions while still meeting our Department of Energy commitments ensures maximum benefit to our ultimate customer, the U.S. taxpayer. MetrologyProvide calibration services traceable to NIST standards in 29 measurement disciplines._d4f2b17a-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a3.1Oak Ridge Metrology CenterOak Ridge Metrology Center serves as a unique resource to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and provides calibration services traceable to NIST standards in 29 measurement disciplines.National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Security TechnologiesDevelop and deploy innovative security technologies._d4f2b288-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a3.2National Security Technology Center (NSTC)NSTC leverages the collective expertise of the Y‑12 National Security Complex to turn security concepts into reality. By tapping into Y‑12's know-how and unique manufacturing capabilities, NSTC develops and deploys innovative security technologies with wide-ranging applications.TrainingProvide nuclear and radiological training._d4f2b3a0-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a3.3Nuclear and Radiological Field Training Center (NRFTC)NRFTC provides world-class nuclear and radiological training in a safe, secure, realistic environment using expert instruction and personnel to serve as observers/evaluators for customer training.Technology TestingHelp determine a security technology’s value by testing in a real-world setting._d4f2b4d6-1460-11e1-aefd-cb227a64ea2a3.4Technology Applications Center (TAC)TAC is a dedicated resource to technology providers and groups procuring security technologies. Drawing on Y‑12’s 20+ years of testing and evaluation experience, TAC helps determine a security technology’s value by testing in a real-world setting.2011-11-21http://www.y12.doe.gov/missions/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net