WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration said Thursday it had dismantled more nuclear weapons.
The NNSA said it increased the rate of nuclear weapons dismantlement by 50 percent over last year's level, and would maintain it.
"NNSA is committed to carrying out the president's vision of the smallest stockpile consistent with national security needs. By dismantling nuclear weapons safely and efficiently, we are ensuring that the weapons can no longer be used again. This increased dismantlement work demonstrates that this country is serious about non-proliferation," said Bill Ostendorff, NNSA's acting administrator.
"At the beginning of fiscal year 2007, NNSA established a goal to increase the dismantlement rate of retired nuclear weapons by nearly 50 percent, but because of dramatic improvements in procedures, tools and policies NNSA was able to reach this goal four months ahead of schedule," the NNSA said.
"In order to increase its dismantlement capacity, NNSA made substantial investments in previous years across the nuclear weapons complex to hire additional technicians, purchase the right equipment and tools, and develop better safety and security procedures," the agency said.
"Since taking his oath of office, this president has authorized a nearly one-half reduction in the size of U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. This shows a true commitment to shrinking our country's nuclear forces," said Ostendorff. "At NNSA, we've been able to make the president's commitment a reality by investing wisely in the people and tools necessary to get the dismantlement job done."
President Bush has made reducing the nation's nuclear stockpile inherited from the Cold War a key part of his overall nuclear strategy.
