Y-12 Blog

The Y-12er Spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y-12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

As chief electrical engineer since 2015, Terry C.’s role is to be the go-to resource for all things electrical engineering. But his job isn’t just to be the technical authority for Y-12’s electrical engineering needs. In his words, “There is a lot more to it. It’s like Amazon’s messaging on their trucks, ‘There is more to Prime. A truckload more.’”

By Jordan Sherrill –– The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Facing an unprecedented demand for modernization and agility, the nation’s nuclear defense infrastructure is undergoing a quiet but profound cultural shift. To accelerate that shift, the Y‑12 National Security Complex recently hosted the inaugural Production Accelerated by Collaboration Workshop (PAC Works). The landmark event convened more than 175 innovators, academic researchers, and industry specialists to align research and development efforts across the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE). 

The Y-12er spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y-12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS. 

Emory University Law School recently partnered with NNSA to develop a commercialization plan for a metal chloride production technology invented by Y-12.   Photo by Carmen K. Sisson (iStock) 

After decades of service, not many employees can say they are working at the place they started at after high school, but Susan B. of Global Security and Strategic Partnerships can. She’ll soon be celebrating 50 years between K-25 and Y-12. 

With foundations in the Declaration of Independence, the American dream envisions a society where every individual, regardless of background, can attain a better life through dedicated pursuit of happiness and freedom. While achieving that 250-year-old dream can be a challenge, Y-12 Enriched Uranium Operations’ chemical operator April M. is living proof it’s alive and attainable through perseverance, hard work, and the security provided by sites like Y-12 that protect every American’s freedom to continue dreaming.

The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Like father, like son. We’ve all probably said this at one time or another when describing a particular father-and-son relationship. You may have even said it about your own son or father.

Every person who drives over the blue line as a new employee becomes a part of history. Whatever connection they have to Y-12, whether a tie to the past, the community, or a new opportunity, employees find their place as they build the future. Meet the newest craft members on site.

In her daily work, Bonnie H., ensures Y-12 is protected, so she is not one who typically shares details about herself. When she heard a co-worker’s wife is in need of a kidney, she knew sharing her story of being a kidney donor was an opportunity to “make the right decision for the right reason” as a way to help.

Every person who drives over the blue line as a new employee becomes a part of history. Whatever connection they have to Y-12, whether a tie to the past, the community, or a new opportunity, employees find their place as they build the future. Meet the newest craft members on site. 

The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own, Josh S., director of Readiness Assurance. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Every person who drives over the blue line as a new employee becomes a part of history. Whatever connection they have to Y-12, whether ties to the past, the community, or a new opportunity, employees find their place as they build the future. Meet the newest craft members on-site. 

Connecting Y-12’s ‘current’ to its past

Lithium metal is essential to the Y-12 National Security Complex nuclear deterrence mission. Conventional lithium metal production processes, however, are energy intensive and environmentally burdensome; they also present significant safety risks to workers. Y-12 inventor and scientist John Freiderich is changing that paradigm with a breakthrough technology he has developed. 

The Y-12er spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y-12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

What happens when you combine hundreds of high school students, hallways lined with interactive career booths, and a wealth of subject matter experts from all corners of the Y-12 site? According to the Y-12 Future Force program, you get a great success. Attendees from 19 schools across East Tennessee filled the New Hope Center on April 2 for the program’s debut event, Future Force: Introduce a Student to STEM Careers, which was designed to educate the region’s future workforce about the breadth of careers supporting Y‑12’s national security missions.

Working at Y-12 doesn’t come with an all-inclusive manual, but for one Y-12er, the job came with her mother to guide her, leading to an ease of communication based on a common bond.

Family encouragement preps UPF pipefitter for his future

The Nuclear Operations Laboratory at Roane State Community College’s Oak Ridge campus is set up to mimic the production environment at Y-12 down to the gloveboxes, lab coats, and safety glasses. One big difference? The paper airplanes.

As the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) Project Construction team continues to turn over key systems to UPF Startup for an early start on testing, one such system is MagneMotion®, which is housed in the Tool Preparation and Storage (TPS) glovebox enclosure.

Pateresa C., a new face on the UPF Project, had an interesting introduction to the world of construction.

For thousands of years, tunnels have been built to connect people to places that were previously inconvenient or unreachable. These engineering marvels provide a conduit for transporting goods and commodities efficiently. The Uranium Processing Facility Project recently achieved a historic milestone that connects Y‑12’s past to the future: the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility Connector tunnel is now “in the dry,” with the last concrete placement for the roof completed.

The Y-12er Spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y-12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

In a photography vault at Y-12, 300,000 original Y-12 photo negatives are filed away in pocket-size envelopes. The pictures document site conditions, buildings, shop tools, and hundreds of employees who have worked at Y-12.

When you’re doing something right, others want to learn from you. That’s exactly why Y-12 Transportation Safety recently observed work at the Material Acquisition and Control (MAC) Center.

After 80 years, it can sometimes be difficult to be the first to do anything at Y-12, but Daniel R. and Nathan H. have done just that as the first Y-12 team participating in the Energy I-Corps training group.

One day in August 1945, Bessie Marie Guy put on a polka-dot dress to go to work. That day, in that dress, she became a part of Y-12 history.

It may have started in the morning, but a number of Y-12 employees and potential university partners showed up at NITE in New Hope Center.

The Y-12er Spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y-12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

For new hire Isabel W., being hired on at Y-12 in August meant more than just a paycheck. It also meant finally reaching the goal of working at the same place as her dad.

“It doesn’t cost a thing to be nice.”

With Y-12’s emergency responders at a safe distance away, Mr. T, one of the site’s two robotic dogs, investigates an unknown chemical spill at Y-12.

Todd Ailes, chief operating officer, is excited to return to CNS. Photo by Joy Kimbrough.The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Sal Beltran, vice president of CNS Project Management, finds himself back in the saddle in East Tennessee in more ways than one. He’s at the helm of Y‑12 Project Management in Oak Ridge during the week and in the seat of his Harley-Davidson in his spare time. At the same time, he’s leveraging time spent in the saddle out West to modernize Y‑12’s aging infrastructure.

For Julie Cramer, it’s important that things go according to schedule at Y‑12. That’s because it’s important for our mission that things go according to schedule.

A key principle at Y‑12 is continuous improvement — one of 11 principles that reflect the site’s commitment to being a learning organization. Twice a year, the Performance Improvement group asks Y‑12 organizations to submit projects to be included in its “Continuous Improvement Celebration.” There, each team shares its successes, and employees vote for the Best Y‑12 Initiative and Best Value Stream Element Teams Initiative.

The Y‑12er Spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

As a Y‑12 employee, I’ve experienced a number of blessings in my 30‑plus years, but one of the most memorable happened in 2004 while working on Katy’s Kitchen: Y‑12 Secret Recipes. This cookbook was funded by Y‑12’s managing and operating contractor with proceeds going to Y‑12’s United Way Campaign.

Terra is a night shift carpenter on the UPF Project and is one of many traveling craft professionals working on the site. In construction for 18 years, her career began in Alabama when her brother‑in‑law introduced her to the local union.

As an engineer and researcher for more than 35 years at Y‑12, Ed R. has held many roles. He certainly understands the importance of continuous improvement through constant evaluation, research, and development of new processes and technologies. Working with the Technology Transfer Office, he has spearheaded and received 34 patents stemming from his work.

When “UT” is mentioned in East Tennessee, the default assumption is in reference to the University of Tennessee. This implication is new for the senior director of Stockpile Programs, Tyler M. As an Amarillo native, his first thought is the University of Texas, but he is slowly adapting to equating “UT” to the “University of Tennessee.” It helps his fiancée is a UT (yes, Tennessee) graduate.

Stacy P. has had many roles in her life: teacher, mother, nurse assistant, and construction laborer. She started her construction career with UCOR at the former K‑25 plant (East Tennessee Technology Park) in Oak Ridge before coming to Y‑12, where she has supported construction work alongside other classifications of construction craft employees for 7 years. She readily shares the lessons she’s learned with her coworkers.

The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own, Field Engineering Administrator Kaitlyn W. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Opportunity is found throughout the Y‑12 site. It’s something that Leslie M. has seen since she was hired in 2007 as an administrative assistant for what was then Business Development.

When Jamie P. stepped into the area she was assigned to at Y‑12, she didn’t have to worry about decorating the walls, as they had been freshly torn down and rebuilt. Her assigned building had been gutted to studs and rebuilt from the floors up as part of a project renovating the facility for new mission work.

In 23 years at Y‑12, Eric H. has seen and done a lot.

When Matthew S. walked into a conference room to give a challenge coin to Director of Protective Force Operations and Training Sean K., he did not expect to see a photo of his grandmother on the wall. But there she was in black and white. The lady he affectionately called Mamaw passed away in 2000, but her time as a guard at Y‑12 still lives on through pictures — and through her grandson.

Megan S. enjoyed school so much that she wanted to find a way to bring teaching to her day job. While her path landed her as a laborer at Y‑12, Megan imagined how she would share her knowledge and inspire others the way her instructors inspired her.

On February 17, a Florida International University (FIU) graduate student, Brad Alvarez, placed a device called a haptic glove onto his hand and worked the glove’s fingers, remotely manipulating a robotic hand from a short distance away.

The Y‑12er spotlight details one of our own, Chris Burns, vice president of Safeguards, Security, and Emergency Services. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own, Josh Gerken, the vice president of Program Integration. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Learn about Jon Ragan, the new deputy for Business Management and Transformation. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS).

“I chose to go to TCAT because I wanted a better life, and welding was intriguing,” she said. “I wanted to know how to weld for artistic reasons but quickly figured out that the skill could offer me a lot more as a career.”

Daniel Riddick, Y‑12 Technology Transfer program manager, engaged with potential partners at NNSA’s Innovation Day in Arlington, VA.

A representation of a glovebox within a digital twin allows operators to practice operations virtually before working with actual materials.

Take 5 minutes to learn about Brent Wright., of Y-12 Production Operations. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Sometimes when people are asked how they are doing, their response is a sarcastic “I’m living the dream.” However, for Brent Wright, that response would be sincere.

Nick D. and Kiki R. are wrapping up their 10-week stint at Y-12

Take 5 minutes to learn about Eric G., a welder at the Uranium Processing Facility. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

All Pantex and Y-12 employees have a story about how they got to CNS, but only a few can say the journey included working with a sitting U.S. president. Eight employees who had that experience shared the similarities between the two entities and detailed their duties with the commanders-in-chief.

Take 5 minutes to learn about Christian G., of Production Integration. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Christian G. came to Tennessee in 2023 with his family and little more than “hopes and dreams.”

Take 5 minutes to learn about Brandi Reagan, recruiter for Mission Engineering. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Take 5 minutes to learn about Sean L., Y-12 Nuclear Maintenance Services director. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Sean L. brings experience as both an engineer and a naval officer to his job at Y-12.

Unlike for some people, Mondays don’t get him down.

Y‑12’s innovative and safer low temperature method for yielding lithium has the potential to change current methodologies.

Jovon H. interned at Y-12 in the summer of 2023 and is now working in Y-12 Infrastructure.

June is the month to celebrate the fathers in our lives. Some lucky employees have the privilege of working with their fathers on‑site.

Wireless technology has made its way to the Central Training Facility (CTF), creating a more efficient learning environment for security police officers.

.Celebrating Armed Forces Day

Meet Y-12er mother and son, Patty and Bryson B.

Employees of Y‑12 may often feel like they’ve taken a ride in the DeLorean time machine as they travel through the site. Older facilities provide a glimpse into the 1940s and the historic deliveries during the Manhattan Project, while construction of projects such as the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) and the Lithium Processing Facility (LPF) thrust the landscape into the future.

Mike Robinson is in the middle of a climb. It’s a metaphorical climb up a very real mountain of infrastructure modernization work at both Pantex and Y‑12. The work includes the programmatic plans and master site plans at both sites that identify new equipment and infrastructure to be installed and constructed. Robinson, vice president of Project Management, has purview of all the capital projects and many expense projects at both Pantex and Y‑12, excluding the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF). He’s been in his current role for a little over a year now, but as a principal vice president with Bechtel, it’s a continuation of a lifelong career.

Consumers may test drive a few cars before they find the right one. At Pantex and Y‑12, Career ONE participants take a similar approach to find the right job.

Celebrated annually on November 15, America Recycles Day, also known as National Recycling Day, began in 1994. The day serves to raise awareness about recycling and the purchasing of recycled products. It’s a reminder to all that how we recycle and reuse products is important.

Take 5 minutes to learn about Chris Harkins, CNS chief operating officer. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Radiation is all around us. The sun, the earth, and other sources all emit radiation. At Y‑12 National Security Complex, radiation exposures are equivalent to what you get from nature.

At Y-12 National Security Complex, the landscape continues to transform. The latest new facility to begin operations is a state-of-the-art fire station.

Bill Clark poses next to a glove box similar to one he worked with in the 1950’s

Jeff Hankins (center) now calls nearly two dozen of his former students coworkers.

Duty. Honor. Country. It is a theme in David Turner’s life. From achieving Eagle Scout status as a young man to a 35-year military career concluding as a highly decorated retired brigadier general, Turner’s goals often derive from his desire to lead and serve.

Jonathan Fleury, a section manager in Fabrication at Y-12, began his site tenure in an apprenticeship program, one gateway to a career at Pantex or Y-12.

Chafin H. pulls double duty when it comes to serving others; he works at Pantex and is a lieutenant colonel (select) in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Once a month, Chafin H. loads up his Suburban and points the truck north toward Colorado Springs.

The HEUMF Connector (HCON) will connect HEUMF and UPF, providing a more efficient way to transport production material between the two facilities.

A new scale, left, is now about 10 ft. away from the rolling mill, right, at Third Mill. A forklift manipulator, far right, carries depleted uranium plates to the scale. Before the new scale was installed, the forklift had to travel about 150 ft. to reach the scale.

Courtney Edenfield contributes to the mission as a technician in Analytical Chemistry Mission Operations at Y-12.

Take 5 minutes and learn about Courtney Edenfield, an Analytical Chemistry technician at Y-12. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Utilities technicians are part of the Y-12 Infrastructure labor force, with the majority performing hands on work.

It is safe to say that working 1 million hours without a recordable injury is a big deal, especially when an organization’s work is physical and happens “in the elements.”

Y-12’s Alicia Swift has been named to the 2023 University of Tennessee Volunteer 40 under 40 Class.

Swift is director of Nonproliferation and Arms Control at Consolidated Nuclear Security. She joins an elite class of young professionals who have excelled since completing their degrees at UT Knoxville.

A poster produced in the 1990s paid tribute to the Seawolf submarine.

The removal of a big machine at Y-12’s Alpha-1 facility is a big deal.

Cultivating contracts with small businesses is a component of Consolidated Nuclear Security’s overall mission at Pantex and Y-12, a goal passed down from the Small Business Administration through the U.S. Department of Energy.

Alyssa Gibson is a current Veteran to Engineer intern working in both Waste Management and Piping/Processing Facility Design while earning her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

“What am I going to do when I grow up?”

Consolidated Nuclear Security President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Tighe.

Y-12’s Thomas Duncan (left) and Donnie Walker are members of the Special Government Employee program.

Meet George Haynes, deputy chief information security officer at Y-12, who plays a key role in the security and strategic defense of our network and systems.

All views and opinions are the employee’s and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

A recent 34-member Tactical Response Force 100 class included 25 trainees from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

What are you willing to deal with to get the job done?

For members of the Y-12 International HEU Remove Program technical team, removing highly enriched uranium from sites in Japan during the pandemic required a lot of planning, adapting, and — especially — patience.

Take 5 minutes and learn about Max Robertson, director of Information Technology Business Operations at Pantex and Y-12. All views and opinions are the employee’s and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2021 National Nuclear Security Administration’s security awards. The results were recently announced by NNSA's Associate Administrator and Chief of Defense Nuclear Security Jeff Johnson, and three of the four awards went to either Consolidated Nuclear Security or NNSA Production Office employees. A ceremony was recently held for those receiving the honors.

Adry Lain (center), an intern who worked with Y-12 Development, explains his project at the 2022 Intern Expo.

Lloyd Jollay addresses participants at the Nuclear Opportunities Workshop, presented by the East Tennessee Economic Council.

Y-12 Engineer Katie Romba, posing with one of her paintings

Engineering is defined as the “creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes.”

The term engineering is derived from the Latin ingenium, meaning “cleverness” and ingeniare, meaning to “contrive or devise.”

One of two new cranes that will assist in the rolling and forming processes for depleted uranium.

One of the New Employee Orientation classes during 2022 at Y-12’s New Hope Center.

At the Global Security Analysis and Training Learning Lab, the use of different virtual or augmented headsets allow people to communicate with others across great distances for common objectives.

Personnel are shown in the NOC/SOC Control Room, surrounded by monitors used to assess the quality and security of the CNS network.

Y-12 employees recently gathered to celebrate the conclusion of the roadmap.

Nuclear Criticality Safety is a foundation for much of the work performed at Y-12, and site leadership recognized the importance of improving the program to continue to ensure the safety of enriched uranium operations.

This team helps improve how weapons parts are machined.

In racing, a pit crew works fast to get a car back on the track. At Y-12, a group called the PIT Crew has helped speed up production of a weapon part and lowered costs.

The crew consists of machinists who are developing process improvements that reduce time to manufacture components.

Senior Director of Communications Jason Bohne explains facets of the Y-12 mission during a site tour for new summer interns.

Mike Ellis (right), a 20-year Y-12 employee, is the new program manager for Y-12’s Plant Directed Research and Development program and is acting in the same role at Pantex. Ellis and Elijah Barlow (left) discuss a process being investigated for use with Y-12’s lithium stream.

Y-12 employees participate in hands on training at the new salvage yard as part of Sustainability and Stewardship’s expanded program.

The Y-12 Fire Department sent a tanker to help contain the recent wildfires in Sevier County. The tanker supplied water to other fire departments who participated in the firefighting effort.

Pantex Development Engineer Paul Aguirre of the Tracking and Sensor Networks Integrated Project Team with some of the project equipment.

Ronald Bolden Jr. (left) and Luke Birt, pause for a photo with Building 9767-13’s installation

PrYde Program Manager Margaret Woods shows off a Best Facility sign that recognizes Best Practices, one of two new inspection awards given quarterly.

Take 5 minutes and learn about Margaret Woods, manager of the PrYde Program at Y-12. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Five million hours. That’s a difficult-to-conceive amount of time. To put it in perspective, you would have to drive back and forth between Amarillo, Texas, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee more than 150,000 times to hit five million hours. Better pack some snacks for the road!

Pantex and Y-12 Occupational Health Services received top scores in all applicable categories in a recent Survey Report conducted by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and, as a result, both sites were awarded a full three year accreditation. The healthcare accrediting body performs inspections of more than 6,000 healthcare facilities around the country.

This construction site (photo from April 2022) will one day house the Y-12 Fire Department, replacing a facility that was built in the 1940s.

Workers watch an incident reenactment at Y-12 Construction as part of a recent Hand Injury Prevention Campaign.

While many tools can be carried in a construction worker’s tool belt, none are more important than the ones that fasten it.

Administrative professional Renea Dosher won the Pantex Jackie Kelly Award for 2022. With her is Deputy Chief Information Officer Rick Day, who co-nominated her with Chief Information Officer Joe Harris.

Y‑12 employee Michael Laws stands in front of the house from which he pulled two children during a recent fire.

It has been proven time and again that Y‑12 employees are not only an asset to CNS, but also to the communities in which they live. Recently one employee showed great bravery by saving two children during a life‑threatening situation.

A special touch: Holding to the masons’ tradition, a 1943 coin, the year Building 9731 was built, was placed into the pavement.

Zuleyma Carruba-Rogel engages a class of new employees at Pantex.

Wayne Carlton helps guide Y-12 to become a more recycling friendly workplace. Those efforts have earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Department of Energy.

Take a few minutes and learn about Wayne Carlton, an environmental engineer at Y-12. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Consolidated Nuclear Security.

From left: Caitlin Hoch Nussbaum and Tori Smith are two of the University of Tennessee College of Law students who have been interning at Y-12.

Career Opportunities for New Engineers, also known as Career ONE, is an engineering rotation and development program for Pantex and Y-12 engineers who have recently graduated.

Pantexan Edward Graef and Y-12er Matthew Willard (not pictured) are part of the Sandia Weapon Intern Program, Class of 2022.

Two CNS employees are joining the ranks of the prestigious Sandia Weapon Intern Program (WIP) for the class of 2022. Edward Graef, Pantex physics senior specialist, and Matthew Willard, Y-12 process engineer, began the program in 2021.

During a September Pantex onboarding session, new employees learn about the opportunities offered at Pantex and Y-12 and how all employees play a vital role in meeting the mission.

Kami Bush, IT Systems administrator, stands among servers in Y-12’s data center.

Advanced Lithium Cell Project Team standing next to the prototype after it was successfully operated.

Y‑12 engineers Brad Langley (right) and Josh Metcalf worked on a continuous‑improvement enterprise to standardize glovebox equipment.

In the classic Wendy’s commercial, a fast‑food worker uttered the iconic line, “Parts is parts,” meaning any part of the chicken is just as good as the other, when it comes to making a chicken patty.

Take a few minutes and learn about CNS’s Mike Mulligan, Subcontract Management Program lead. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

A stint as a barista brewed changes in Mike Mulligan’s life, professionally and personally.

Take a few minutes and learn about David Zakrzwski, CNS’s Information Solutions and Services deputy chief information officer at Y-12. All views and opinions are the employee’s and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Rack framed and wrapped for shipment at supplier’s facility

Racks, or “multi-commodity pipe rack modules,” are one of the many components that go into building the Uranium Processing Facility. Achieving 100% rack delivery required tremendous effort and planning, but the team completed the feat ahead of schedule.

All community colleges are expected to educate and train students to prepare them for a future career, but Roane State Community College goes a step further. At its Harriman campus, Roane State established the Raider Pantry, a facility that provides supplies for students dealing with the issue of food insecurity.

The east side of the Uranium Processing Facility's Main Process Building

This LiveWise mural brands the renovated fitness centers and makes the centers easily recognizable.

Some rejuvenating reps have the East and West LIFE Centers at Y-12 looking pretty buff.

The 11-year old structures have received makeovers. They now boast fresh paint, power washed and replaced trim, and new eye catching murals. Inside the West site, bathrooms sport new flooring, and ceiling tiles have been replaced.

Thanks to the CNS General Workplace Improvement Program, the Pantex and Y-12 sites have received several upgrades.

In this photo from 2019, a group of Program Management University graduates gather to celebrate the end of their sessions. Now, most of the classes are virtual with in person sessions once travel restrictions are relaxed.

Congratulations to the Bechtel Global Scholars with ties to Pantex, Y 12, and the Uranium Processing Facility.

The 2021 Bechtel Global Scholars program awarded a total of $75,000 in college funds to 25 students in six countries. The $3,000 scholarship goes to students in their first year of studies at an accredited college, university, vocational institute, or technical school.

A chemist performs an initial sample analysis.

Jan West (left) and Jeff Barnard (right) stand in front of the new flag at Post 5.

Students from as far away as New York participated in the cybersecurity camp sponsored by Y-12 National Security Complex.

In a time of heartache and abuse, organizations like the Knoxville Family Justice Center are there for victims of domestic violence

Kami Bush, who supports CNS’s VMware virtual infrastructure, stands in front of a Y‑12 server rack in Building 9117.

A political science major at UT, Asya H. is gaining knowledge about nuclear safeguards during her internship. Asya H. comes from a family of engineers.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is one of many organizations that helps provide childcare services to families. By the Boys & Girls Clubs keeping its doors open during the pandemic, children were able to continue being children.

Michael Dunn Center was one of several East Tennessee organizations CNS and the ETF Neighbor to Neighbor fund helped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shipping crates of the Main Casting Glovebox Line, Group 1 in MPB East

UPF Electrician inspects wiring in the 13.8kV switchgear (Per work assessment and STAART card requirements gloves are not required during the activities pictured)

Accepting the Star of Excellence award plaque from Gene Sievers, Y-12 Site Manager, is Mike Thompson (left), president of the Atomic Trades and Labor Council, with members of the safety team and their representatives in attendance.

Thanks to teamwork, a plan to restore power during a scheduled outage kept the mission on schedule.

Welder Joel Chavez welds a tooling fixture.

Y-12’s can do attitude is legendary. Perhaps the men and women of General Manufacturing Operations best exemplify that mindset.

“If it can’t be done anywhere else, bring it to us. We can do it,” said Wendell Laughter, a production specialist with 16 years of experience in Building 9201 1, known as Alpha 1. “We’re a one stop shop.”

Emory Valley Center staff members are appreciative of the grant from CNS that was used to purchase personal protective equipment for employees.

It’s not uncommon at the Y-12 National Security Complex to find that multiple generations from the same family have worked on site. At the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) Project, two father-son duos don’t have to go far to celebrate Father’s Day, as they work side-by-side building UPF.

As the world grappled with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, CNS continued looking for ways to help our communities. The company turned to the East Tennessee Foundation and its Neighbor to Neighbor Fund.

Crews demolished Pantex Buildings 12-106 and 12-106A in FY 2020 as part of the disposition plan enabled by the opening of the John C. Drummond Center. EFDP characterized the facilities, removed waste, demolished the structures, and disposed of all demolition debris.

Y-12 Fire Department recently tested a new environmentally safer foam with the Alcoa Fire Department.

Installation of the 13.8kV switchgear in the Uranium Processing Facility’s Mechanical Electrical Building

The Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) Project ‘flipped the switch’ as it energized the first of the facility’s electrical power systems.

The Process Support Facilities at the Uranium Processing Facility

Members of the Region 2 Radiological Assistance Program preparing to mobilize at Super Bowl 55 in Tampa. From left, front row: Bill Riley, Steve Johnson, Jeff Barroso, and back row, Steve Cleveland, Jeff Bruner, Perry Pruitt, and Michael Murray. Team member Dale Perkins is not pictured.

Meet Kadee Klimowicz, who worked at Y-12 while waiting on her training in the Space Operations field at Vandenberg Air Force Base to begin.

The shelter has perimeter benches that provide employees a place to sit. Rubber matting is also on the floor, providing a layer of cushion. 

Dr. Warren Sayre, CNS corporate medical director and Y-12 site occupational medical director

The COVID‑19 pandemic has brought the science and profession of public health to the forefront of communities nationwide. Pantex and Y‑12 are fortunate to have physician medical directors, Dr. Warren Sayre and Dr. Michael Paston, who have extensive public health backgrounds.

Michael Lovelady, Y-12 Mission Engineering

See something? Take action. That’s what Michael Lovelady of Y-12 Mission Engineering did on a trip to work last fall.

Whatever you do, don’t call him a hero.

Paul Beckman, Chief Information Security Officer

With peaked interest surrounding the coronavirus vaccine, cybercriminals are determined to exploit our feelings or anticipation in the form of social engineering. Reports have shown cyber threat actors baiting potential victims with vaccine-themed scams.

Learn something new about Bill Tindal, CNS’s chief operating officer.

Take 5 minutes and learn more about Bill Tindal, CNS’s chief operating officer.

With technology essential to our daily lives, cybersecurity education is increasingly growing

Executive director of Compassion Counseling Lakshmie Napagoda interacts with a client.

Demolition of Building 9720 22 at Y 12

More than ever before, the landscape of Pantex and Y-12 is changing. In FY 2020 alone, 46 infrastructure projects were completed, and an impressive 21 facilities (11 at Pantex and 10 at Y-12) were demolished.

Heroes don’t always wear capes (but they do wear face coverings). These three Y-12ers jumped into action to help a Kentucky man suffering from dementia. (from left: Chris Griffis, Mark Butcher, and Jack Bolinger)

Most Y-12 employees try to be helpful. Last month, three Y-12ers proved that statement when they were in the right place at the right time.

When it’s time to perform factory acceptance testing on a critical technology during a pandemic, what do you do? Since the product still must be delivered, you adapt by monitoring the work remotely.

Pre-pandemic, CNS and NPO staff would have sent several people on multiple trips to observe electrorefining testing. This time, because of COVID restrictions on the number of people allowed in the shop, the project team could only send two representatives.

Development’s Trevor Roberts, Direct Material Manufacturing lead, isolates several key samples to be sent to Y-12’s Analytical Chemistry Organization.

Y-12 Apprenticeship Program 2020 graduates present their diplomas. From left: Jacob Scarborough, electrician; Christopher Drinnon, pipefitter; Brandon Muir, pipefitter; and Dustin Wilson, electrician.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) is demonstrating a continued commitment to business partnership, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of ongoing outreach to business owners and potential vendors, CNS representatives are continuing their Partners in Excellence (PIE) event series virtually.

More Y-12 employees rolled up their sleeves in September to meet the growing need for blood donations in East Tennessee.

Congratulations to Kevin Shipp of Y-12 Engineering; he was awarded the 2020 Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program Leadership Award. He is a graduate of the 2020 program, which was the 25th class.

This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in all facets of the program, including academic performance, project leadership and team management performance, professional development, and peer assessment.

Joshua Schwartz (left), Chris Haught (center), and Dallas Moser discuss maintaining strict controls to ensure nuclear criticality safety.

Take 5 minutes and learn more about Melissa Blair, CNS's new senior director of Enterprise Strategic Planning. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Y-12 air condition and refrigeration mechanics, from left, stand beside the crimping tool (on top of an air conditioning unit) that allows the team to work more safely and efficiently.

Where do the best ideas come from? At Y-12, they often spring from the “voice from the floor,” from those who are closest to the work.

Elena Garlea’s work was recently published in Journal of Material Science and Engineering: AM as part of a larger effort carried out in collaboration with other NNSA sites and the University of Tennessee.

Through Tom Smith’s vision, strategic planning, and perseverance, the Pantex and Y‑12 skylines are forever changed.

Karissa Sampson is the 2020 Y-12 recipient of the Jackie Kelly Award for Administrative Excellence.

Karissa was nominated by her supervisor Kevin Corbett, who is director of the CNS Quality organization.

An Alarm Response Training instructor helps facilitate distance Alarm Response Training, or dART, to Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center during a class.

Due to support from the CNS Community Investment Fund, Keystone can still provide for their participants at home.

Y-12 continued vital projects throughout the COVID-19 response thanks to planning and teamwork. To ensure projects remained on track and on time, team members took that strong plan and coupled it with adherence to essential health and safety protocols.

More than 1,400 employees are members of the Atomic Trades and Labor Council. Without these dedicated workers, Y-12 would have difficulty meeting its mission.

Students who participated in the Y-12 Cybersecurity Camps, in partnership with Roane State Community College, experienced camp online, a new way of holding summer camp this year. The event was planned to be held at the RSCC Oak Ridge campus, but because of the COVID 19 pandemic, the camp became a virtual one.

Dr. George Meghabghab, director of the RSCC Computer Information Technology program, said, “Participation was great! Everybody was attentive, and it was fun and engaging.”

In celebration of World Photography Day, take a look into the world of Y-12 through the lens of Brett Pate, one of the site’s professional photographers. He documents National Nuclear Security Administration mission activities as well as captures images for publications, visits, events, and conferences.

He’s been involved in photography for about 45 years, with 29 of those years working as a Y-12 photographer.

It is news that no parent or family is prepared for. In the wake of a global pandemic, Y-12’s John Fellers’ world had turned upside down.

Y-12 has an improved fire protection system after employees recently completed an extensive eight year plant wide effort to replace more than 9,850 sprinkler heads in six site facilities.

Completion of the $46 million 50 year safety-significant sprinkler head replacement project means that those facilities can continue to meet fire protection requirements. The replacements reduce the risk of the site’s fire protection systems from high to low risk and improve Y-12’s long term operations capability.

Y-12 completed the suspension and resumption of all operating areas, including canned subassembly production for the B61-12 program, within a six week window.

In recognition of working 30 days without a recordable injury at Y-12, the Site Manager’s Safety Council’s Safety Challenge for Charity donated $500 to extend community relief from COVID-19, in partnership with the East Tennessee Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund. Inspired by the act, ETF’s employees also came together to match Y-12’s donation.

Mission Engineering is led by Gary Sanders, who has a wealth of experience within the nuclear weapons complex.

Jim Zonar of Y-12 Development shares his experience as a TOPGUN pilot.

Cary Langham in his Y-12 office

The United States flag that spans the wall of Cary Langham’s office has a singular purpose: to remind him of his responsibilities as a patriot.

Jeff Yarbrough, Y-12 deputy site manager

Jeff Yarbrough’s expertise is rooted in ensuring the safety of our nation’s nuclear security. As Y-12 deputy site manager, it is his responsibility to provide an independent perspective in order to keep the site safe and secure from threats or abnormal conditions, including COVID-19.

Y‑12 archivist Natalie Hansen recently obtained her digital archivist certification. She is already a certified archivist, but this newest certificate covers digital archiving in a more focused and specialized manner.

In late winter, Roane State Community College partnered with Y-12 to develop a new Cybersecurity Summer Camp for middle and high school students. What started as an in person camp to be held Roane State’s Oak Ridge Branch Campus will now be a virtual camp due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees from both Y-12 and Pantex have become “mask makers” using their skills and talents behind a sewing machine to make masks for their friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Pantexan Charlotte Thomas and her husband Brian Thomas

Two electrical distribution system projects at Y 12 include an unlikely trio: grandfather, father, and son. Edward, Justin, and Justin, Jr. Cagle work on 13.8kv Electrical Distribution System Installation for 2nd and 3rd Streets where the linemen — all three of them — are replacing and installing utility poles and electrical conductors.

For more than 10 years, the Y-12 Apprenticeship Program has been in business, training employees for professions in trades like pipefitters, electricians, machinists, and ironworkers. The program, restarted in 2008 as a cost savings proposal, allows hands-on training for key positions within the site.

Y-12ers have stepped up to support one of our own, Y-12 Engineering’s Tony Grappin, whose son was diagnosed with leukemia.

He’s a beloved member of the Y-12 family who bleeds orange and is a University of Tennessee Vol for Life. Now, Tony White, Protective Force Operations, is up for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year and shared the following.

Y-12 employee Meghann Parrilla was named a 2019 40 Under 40 honoree by Knox.biz magazine.

Scott Underwood, Senior Director of Y-12 Infrastructure, addresses volunteers at the most recent Help the Smokies Day.

Transformation at the Uranium Processing Facility Main Process Building (MPB) has accelerated in the past few months.

Some of CNS’s most talented scientists and engineers presented at the 2nd Annual CNS Fellows Colloquium, August 20 at Pantex.

Adding 800 more storage locations in an existing building is a challenge.

Y-12’s Early Career Group sponsored a professional development panel, “Pathway to Success.”

The Pantex and Y-12 Fire Departments work to operate as one team — the CNS Fire Department.

At the Y-12 National Security Complex, you won’t find employees lurking around in trench coats, but for intern Colleen Hyer, the site does hint of intrigue.

Members of the Pantex Honor Guard visited Y-12 in June to train their fellow firefighters.

Uranium Processing Facility Ironworker Robert Burchfield was chosen as the Apprentice of the Year from Ironworkers Local 384

As a teenager captivated by the Apollo 11 mission, Paul Wasilko likely never dreamed he’d eventually be talking about an object the astronauts took on that voyage.

Y-12’s Proactive Safety Team is helping to change our safety culture from a top-down to a bottom-up approach.

Congratulations to Alma Carter, Y-12 winner of the Jackie Kelly Award for Administrative Excellence. Carter was recognized for her hard work and dedication in support of the mission.

Y-12 Construction fashioned stainless steel rake blades to maintain Oak Ridge’s Zen rock garden at the Friendship Bell Pavilion.

The Mechanical Electrical Building is fully enclosed and stands tall as a sign of completion at the Uranium Processing Facility project. Interior work is now the focus moving forward.

60-foot-tall steel columns going up at the Salvage and Accountability Building are a visible sign of progress as we continue #BuildingUPF.

Construction begins for the 100,000 square-foot Offsite Fabrication Facility located at East Tennessee Technology Park. This facility will serve as the primary fabrication area during the construction of UPF.

Primed with ideas. When you want to learn how to optimize delivery and inventory control, it makes sense to learn from the master. A team from Y-12 did just that with a visit to an @Amazon Fulfillment Center in Chattanooga recently.

In 2018, we added 1,500 employees at Pantex and Y-12. It’s part of our plan to build the workforce of the future, and we’re well on our way.

The UPF Site Infrastructure and Services (SIS) Subproject team was honored with the 2018 DOE Project Management Achievement Award for delivering SIS on schedule and $18M under budget.

The first vertical wall for the Main Process Building was just placed.

Skilled UPF craft employees just poured 37,000 cubic yards of concrete to complete structural base slabs for three main buildings at the UPF.

Check out how Y-12 employee Mike Sand took his career in a new direction by opening the door when opportunity knocked.

Y-12 has worked with isotopes for decades, and today we’re supporting the development of a domestic supply of molybdenum-99, the most widely used medical isotope in the world. The isotope is used in more than 40,000 medical procedures in the US each day

As part of the site’s workforce development outreach, Scott and other Y-12 members of the Atomic Trades and Labor Council recently visited ACCTC and Midway High School in Roane County to talk with students interested in a craft and technical education.

CNS contributed corporate funds and provided employee mentors and volunteers to TN FIRST to support the ninth annual Smoky Mountains Regional robotics program held recently at Thompson Boling Arena in Knoxville.

On April 18, CNS celebrated Earth Day at Y-12 with speakers and activities for employees.

More than 100 CNS employees were among the thousands of runners who took part in 5K, Half, Relay, and Marathon races at this year’s Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.

The first major pieces of equipment for the Uranium Processing Facility’s Mechanical Electrical Building were delivered in mid-March.

UPF celebrated the placement of the last piece of the structural frame of the Mechanical Electrical Building on Feb. 11.

UPF’s Construction Support Building (CSB) has received another designation for sustainability, this time from NNSA, which designated the CSB as a High Performance Sustainable Building (HPSB).

Steel installation for the second level of the Uranium Processing Facility’s (UPF) Mechanical Electrical Building (MEB) began in late December.

This video shares why the work we do on life extension programs, such as the W76‑1, is important to nuclear deterrence.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam appointed Syreeta Vaughn to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Advisory Board in December.

Pantex and the Y-12 National Security Complex were recently named veteran-friendly employers.

Additive manufacturing is adding value for customers at Y-12.

Y-12 graduated its newest Tactical Response Force I class in November.

Katie Roberts, of Y-12’s Supply Chain Management was recently named one of Knox.biz magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees and will be recognized at an awards ceremony in January.

Construction recently celebrated more than two million work hours without a lost-time injury.

Consolidated Nuclear Security employees at the Y-12 National Security Complex recently shared their time and personal resources to make the holidays brighter for many in surrounding communities.

The Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) is placing concrete twice per week for the structural foundation of the Main Process Building (MPB).

M. C. Wiest has been on the payroll for 74 years … just one year shy of the plant’s 75 years of existence.

Y-12 recently completed installation and startup testing of a new dual-stage paper disintegrator to better support site information security and sustainability practices.

It’s a go.

Y-12 recently received the Qualification Evaluation Release for the B61-12 Life Extension Program canned subassembly. Receiving this QER was the final step to authorize CNS to begin manufacturing and delivery of the program’s first production unit, scheduled for March 2019.

Developers at Y-12 are taking Computed Tomography (CT) technology and using it to produce high-fidelity data for batches of parts in a quick, efficient manner, which makes quality checks a one-stop evaluation.

Y-12 and Pantex are doing business a little different to gain big savings. By using vendor-managed inventory, the sites can have the right materials at the right place at the right time.

Morris Hassler, senior director of Consolidated Nuclear Security‘s Global Security & Strategic Partnerships, was named a fellow of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management at the organization‘s 59th annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland.

Students in Anderson and Morgan counties are heading back to class with a backpacks full of school supplies thanks, in part, to the generosity of many Y-12 employees.

DENSO Manufacturing recently hosted CNS Y-12’s Lean Six Sigma team so they could see lean tools and principles in action.

Congratulations to Pantex’s Leonardo Lerma and Y-12’s Joseph McVeigh, both of Mission Engineering, for being selected for the Sandia Weapon Intern Program, Class of 2019.

On June 20‑21, CNS hosted the Joint Working Group 39 Manufacturing Practices Lean Summit to grow continuous improvement through a community of sharing and practice.

Congratulations to Neal Wolfenbarger and Meghann Parrilla on their recent recognition by @NationalNuclearSecurityAdministration. Wolfenbarger received the NNSA Security Manager of the Year award, and Parrilla received the NNSA Bradley A. Peterson Contractor Security Professional of the Year award.

Pantex and Y-12 are recognized across the Nuclear Security Enterprise as sustainability champions. Now the company is poised for broader efforts at both sites to evaluate purchases to ensure they meet or exceed federally required sustainability criteria.

It’s like Amazon … for special nuclear materials. The new facility is operational and made its first shipment in April. By the end of FY 2019, the center will house 8800 Certified Reference Materials. The Office of Science funded Y‑12 to establish a new center, and Y‑12 is taking on the storage and distribution mission for the NNSA.

Y-12’s 75th Anniversary recently received some significant attention close to home and in Washington, D.C.

Almost 200 people representing 120 businesses attended a Partners in Excellence Forum hosted by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC.

An integrated team worked to successfully demolish the Building 9201-5E (Alpha-5) Annex on time and on budget.

Four Y-12 project teams were recognized as FY 2017 NA 50 Excellence Award winners.

In April 2018, an independent team conducted a peer review of the NNSA Production Office, Pantex and Y-12.

Two tower cranes were installed early this year as part of the construction of UPF.

In honor of Earth Day, Y-12 displayed several sustainability booths in the Jack Case Center gallery April 19.

In less than five years, the UPF Project has recycled or reused nearly 194 million pounds of materials.

Y-12 made history by opening and operating Building 9204-4 (Beta-4) in 1945.

The Uranium Processing Facility project continues to make progress.

CNS, along with URS | CH2M Oak Ridge LLC (UCOR) and Cooperative Agreement of Labor & Maintenance announced the first inaugural Apprenticeship Readiness Training Program.

Some 30 Y-12 engineers visited schools across East Tennessee for Engineering Week.

Building 9731 was the first building completed at Y-12.

NASA recently selected Robertsville Middle School’s cube satellite design to fly aboard a future space mission.

Donations make a ‘huge difference’ to local organization

As part of the effort to meet the Pantex and Y 12 mission delivery, the sites are incorporating a tiered approach to problem-solving.

Getting ahead—the 50-year sprinkler head replacement crew stays on track while protecting their noggins.

Members of the Y-12-based Region 2 Radiological Assistance Program attended Super Bowl LII to assist the FBI.

While Y-12 is well known for enriching uranium, we also enrich careers.

For 15 years, Y-12 employees have recycled aluminum cans and donated the proceeds to local charities.

Enterprise Reliability and Maintainability manager Paul Durko spends a lot of time thinking about keeping Pantex and Y‑12’s equipment running.

A team from Y-12 traveled to New York to conduct a customized Alarm Response Training course.

The program pairs middle-school students with local businesses to learn about job opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Ten members of Y‑12’s Protective Force graduated from the Central Training Facility’s Tactical Response Force 200.

The newly designated NA-50 Excellence Awards recently were presented at Pantex and Y-12.

Y-12’s LiveWise program recently earned gold-level distinction from the East Tennessee Wellness Roundtable.

STEM teachers from across East Tennessee attended a professional development day program.

Y-12 recently celebrated its sixth apprentice class since reinstatement of the program in 2008. Y-12 recently celebrated its sixth apprentice class since reinstatement of the program in 2008.

Travis Howerton, senior director of Transformation, is representing CNS on the Cyber and Information Security Consortium.

UPF was the top fundraising team in Tennessee for the Polar Plunge, raising more than $14,000 for Special Olympics.

She remembers feeling dizzy, with a severe headache. No, she didn’t need to go to medical, she told her coworker; it would pass.

More than 700 fourth- through eighth-grade students participated at industries and businesses across Anderson County.

Methodist Medical Center officials recently joined area business leaders and hospital volunteers in dedicating the Center’s newest hospitality house.

Not one member of the crew that operates Y-12’s high-voltage Elza Switchyard has been injured at work in 15 years.

Don Raby has visited New Hope Cemetery several times, but December 29 marked his homecoming.

Picture the brightest lamp in your house — let’s assume it uses a 100 watt bulb — and think of the amount of heat it gives off if you hold your hand directly over it.

Since 2006, Y-12 has been working to address aging facilities that are being used beyond their design life.

A project to install new foam roofs on a trio of excess facilities at Y-12 was recently completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry recently recognized Y-12 with one of its Environment & Energy Awards.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC is the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ “Corporate Philanthropist of the Year” for 2016.

UPF began using the MyZone proximity detection system to eliminate incidents between people and equipment.

Y‑12 firefighters recently helped with the Sevier County wildfires.

Two members of Y-12’s Finance and Business Operations recently found out how easy and satisfying being part of the Junior Achievement (JA) program can be to both the students and the instructor.

Y-12 firefighters joined others from across the state to honor the men and women who died doing their jobs on 9/11.

The parking lot at New Hope Center was a burst of colors in the early morning hours of October 16.

CNS and the Atomic Trades and Labor Council worked together with Junior Achievement to create a shop that mirrors the Y‑12 mission.

CNS donated funds to support development and operation of the Helen Ross McNabb Military Services Facility.

Y-12 updates the business community.

Y‑12 brought home a star from the 32nd Annual National Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association Safety and Health Conference.

Steve Robison doesn’t focus on what he’s lost, only what he’s gained.

Oak Ridge Sportsmen’s Association recently hosted a Pull for Our Veterans Skeet and Trap Fun shoot.

For Chris Caserta, the stress of finishing engineering school was only topped by the stress of wondering where to get a job afterward.

Recently, Pantex and Y-12 were inspected by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Training minds one LEGO® at a time might seem a bit far-fetched, but at Jefferson Middle School, that’s essentially the goal.

When young people are presented with a new technological device, they typically light up with excitement.

CNS once again has two employees participating in the Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program.

Vietnam veteran Ralph Adcox is happy to see his fellow veterans get a chance to have closure.

Terry Cothron is considered one of the founding fathers of the environmental program at Y-12.

Three Y‑12 employees were honored recently with NNSA Excellence Awards .

Active for Life encourages healthy habits and fitness through friendly competition among colleagues across DOE facilities.

Four-week program provides young participants with ideas about careers that are in high demand and provide good wages.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Lutton tours Y-12.

Y-12 is talking robotics with college students a state away.

Tours of Y-12 brought almost 400 people to the site as part of Oak Ridge’s 14th annual Secret City Festival.

Embrace the nerd. CNS’s Anita Hazelwood did, and she’s never looked back.

Family ties makes a fitting theme for Tactical Response Force 1 Class 3-16’s graduation ceremony.

Michael Lovelady jumped at the opportunity to participate in the Y-12 Apprentice Program.

Members of the Blount Partnership Chamber of Commerce toured the Y-12 National Security Complex.

A first hand look at what goes into ensuring the safety, security and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear arsenal.

Pantex and Y 12 are hotbeds for the advancement of science and technology.

CNS recently celebrated the graduation of 14 new journey workers from the Y‑12 Apprentice Program

A Y-12 Small Business Program Manager interacts with a participant at the Tennessee Veterans Business Association Expo.

Nine UPF staff honored fallen soldiers and their families by participating in the ninth annual Mountain Man Memorial March.

Twins Jeff and John Bryant are apprentice machinists at the Y-12 site.

A team from Malmstrom Air Force Base recently toured Y‑12’s production facilities.

A contingent from Y-12 welcomes home the 20th HonorAir Knoxville flight.

Oak Ridge High School’s Secret City Wildbots won the Gracious Professionalism Award at the 2016 Smoky Mountain Regional.

Pantex Emergency Services members learn how to use the Emergency Management Information System.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam greets Oak Ridge business leaders during Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s Day on the Hill.

Steve Dekanich shares his enthusiasm for materials science with students at the ASM International Materials Camp.

An integrated team of Pantex and Y-12 employees work on the beginning stages of the container improvement initiative.

Y-12 is developing an Extended Life Program, or ELP, for Buildings 9215 and 9204-2E, two key processing facilities at the site.

NPO Program Manager David Wall points out infrastructure upgrades during a recent tour of Y‑12’s Building 9995.

A Missile Combat Crew commander practices procedures.

UPF employees collected donations to determine who would take the Polar Plunge.

UT students and Y‑12 nuclear security subject matter experts conduct a battle board challenge in Oak Ridge.

Former Strategic Command chief emphasizes importance of Pantex, Y-12 missions.

CNS was well represented at the first National Energetic Materials Consortium.

CNS donates $10,000 to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

Y-12 joins nuclear community for “Big Event.”

Veterans and current Y‑12 Security Police Officers delivered former uniform coats to the Volunteer Ministry Center.

NNSA Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Anne Harrington addresses the East Tennessee Economic Council.

NNSA Uranium Program Manager Tim Driscoll speaks with the One-Metric-Ton Challenge team.

Dustin Giltnane, a University of Tennessee graduate student, is in the CNS pipeline.

Y-12’s team for the Volunteer Ministry Center 5K.