U.S. Nuclear Stockpile Management and the Role of the Y-12 National Security Complex

Today, the nation's nuclear weapons complex has shifted from a production mindset to one of reducing the stockpile and extending the lifespan of existing weapons through the creative use of science and industry. The Y-12 National Security Complex is a crucial part of the weapons complex due to its history, capabilities, and future roles in the US weapons complex. First, this research project will analyze and outline the nuclear weapons complex to build a solid foundation for the reader. This analysis will also focus on how the complex evolved over the course of 60 years and what the future has in store for it. Additionally, this project will highlight and evaluate the role of Y-12 within the context of the entire weapons complex. Next, this study will spotlight how Y-12 executes the mission of stockpile stewardship and how it enables the nation to dismantle retired nuclear weapon systems and continue to guarantee the safety and reliability of the existing stockpile. Moreover, this paper will briefly highlight how Y-12 contributes to US non-proliferation efforts as well. Finally, this paper will examine the future roles and challenges Y-12 will face in the coming years and provide recommendations that can be further evaluated by weapons complex experts. This paper discusses the nuclear weapons complex as it stands today, assesses common findings and recurring themes of pertinent nuclear expertise reports, looks at mitigation strategies in place today, and offers additional recommendations for consideration.