SCE Tech Talk: Overview of the US Nuclear Weapons Enterprise

Jan Williams (BSME ’83), provides an overview of the US Nuclear Weapons Enterprise. There were some technical difficulties at the beginning of the event that led to the first few minutes being cut off on the recording.
This presentation covers the history, budget, and other highlights of the people, facilities, and capabilities that produce and maintain the nuclear weapons stockpile. The United States nuclear deterrent is underpinned by an expansive R&D and manufacturing complex spread over many sites across the country. All these sites are operated by specialized contractors for the National Nuclear Security Administration, an agency within the US Department of Energy. The Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan, an annually produced, publicly released document, describes these sites and the unique capabilities, facilities, and infrastructure dedicated to design, production, and sustainment of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.