Sustaining Deterrence

Sandia National Laboratories

<strong>Employees from the nuclear security enterprise gather at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, to celebrate the completion of the first production unit of the W76 Mark 4B reentry body. The first production unit was completed about three months ahead of schedule and improves upon the reliability of Mark 4As. </strong>(Photo courtesy of Pantex) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image. — Employees from the nuclear security enterprise gather at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, to celebrate the completion of the first production unit of the W76 Mark 4B reentry body. The first production unit was completed about three months ahead of schedule and improves upon the reliability of Mark 4As. (Photo courtesy of Pantex) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.

The NNSA's nuclear security enterprise, including Sandia, partnered with the U.S. Navy and completed the first production unit of the W76 Mark 4B reentry body nearly three months ahead of schedule.

"Sandia is providing leadership in system integration and is the design agency for the NNSA's non-nuclear components in the Mk4B. We make sure all the requirements are met and that the system is qualified," said Todd Simmermacher, a Sandia National Laboratories manager in nuclear deterrence. "We also understand touchpoints to make sure everyone is ready to perform the work."

The Mk4B reentry body protects the submarine-launched ballistic missile warhead when reentering Earth's atmosphere. The program is converting all W76-1/Mk4As and W76-2/Mk4As in the stockpile to the newer Mk4Bs, improving upon the reliability of Mk4As.

"NNSA is making good on our commitment to accelerate production for the nation's nuclear deterrent and delivering the first W76 Mk4B to the Navy ahead of schedule," NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams said. "As a former nuclear submarine officer, I have a special appreciation for the sea leg of our triad, which is essential to our assured second-strike capability. Enhancing the reliability of the W76's reentry body will help ensure the reliability of the deterrent and strengthen America's national security more broadly."

<strong>Pantex Field Office Deputy Manager Marcus Lea, left, speaks to Cmdr. Joshua Valiani, U.S. Navy, during a gathering at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, to celebrate completion of the first production unit of the W76 Mark 4B reentry body. </strong>(Photo courtesy of Pantex) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image. — Pantex Field Office Deputy Manager Marcus Lea, left, speaks to Cmdr. Joshua Valiani, U.S. Navy, during a gathering at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, to celebrate completion of the first production unit of the W76 Mark 4B reentry body. (Photo courtesy of Pantex) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.

In addition to Sandia, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lockheed Martin Space are also design agencies. NNSA and the U.S. Navy leveraged existing production and qualification processes at Kansas City National Security Campus, Pantex Plant and Lockheed Martin Space to deliver critical Mk4B components early and accelerate the first production unit date.

"Once a unit is converted to a Mk4B, it is ready to head back to the stockpile and serve as part of the nuclear deterrent," Simmermacher said. "It requires a Labs-wide effort and partnership across the enterprise to deliver this product."

The first production unit milestone supports U.S. military requirements by ensuring the sea-based leg of the nuclear deterrent continues to meet U.S. national security objectives.

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