January and February 2015 Nuclear Security Brief

By Nate Sans

Security for Nuclear Weapons and Materials

The U.S. Air Force is adding airmen to the reportedly undermanned ranks of its security forces squadrons whose duties include providing security for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. (1/6/2015)

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announces  the removal of 36 kilograms of highly enriched uranium spent fuel from the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kazakhstan. (1/7/2015)

Russia suspends its cooperation with American efforts to protect Russian highly enriched uranium and plutonium. (1/19/2015)

Former Senators Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar argue that the United States and Russia must repair their partnership on nuclear security. (1/23/15)

This Washington Post editorial argues that Russia was short-sighted to end nuclear security cooperation with the United States. (1/24/15)

Security for Nuclear Power Plants and Facilities

Yukiya Amano, director-general of the IAEA, warns about the possibility of terrorist attack or sabotage attempts on nuclear facilities. (1/26/2015)

Nuclear Security Culture

A survey finds that the NNSA’s Production Office “…may have the worst morale of any unit within the entire U.S. Department of Energy.” (1/8/2015)

President Obama’s fiscal year 2016 Department of Energy budget request asks for a $2.5 billion or 9.2% increase over fiscal year 2015 funding levels. (2/2/2015)

Stopping Nuclear Smuggling

The NNSA turns over responsibility for a radiation detection system to the General Administration of Customs of China. (1/13/2015)

Nuclear Terrorism

The Netherland Times reports that “…a group claiming affiliation with ISIS…” made a reference to spreading of Cesium-131 in Russia, Boston, Dallas, Virginia and Amsterdam. (1/13/2015)