Y-12 employees recognized for excellence in nuclear weapons program

 

Thirteen teams at the Y-12 National Security Complex received Defense Programs Awards of Excellence from the National Nuclear Security Administration at an annual ceremony held recently at the New Hope Center.

A total of 209 recipients were recognized, with several participating on more than one team. In total, 235 awards were presented for significant achievements in 2013.

NNSA’s newly appointed Uranium Program Manager Tim Driscoll gave the keynote address.

“I’m here today as a patriot, a citizen, a father, a friend to some of you, and as a customer,” Driscoll said. ”These awards are a testament to the good work that goes on here every day at every level. They’re a testament to the loyalty and dedication of all those involved.”

Mark Padilla, the NNSA Production Office’s assistant manager for programs and projects, and Jim Haynes, CNS president and chief executive officer, joined Driscoll in presenting the awards.

”The hard work that happens here is what makes the Nuclear Security Enterprise what it is,” Padilla told the crowd.

Haynes said that often Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes garner praise but that Y-12 workers are just as deserving of being in the spotlight.

“You are the real heroes. You are creators of solutions. You do the yeoman’s work for our nuclear security,” he said. “How refreshing it is for you to be recognized instead of those who walk the red carpet. You do the critical front-line work for our nation.”

Established by NNSA in 1982, the Defense Programs Awards of Excellence recognize significant individual and team accomplishments across the nuclear weapons complex in support of NNSA’s nuclear weapons program. The awards are given annually to recognize significant achievements in quality, productivity, cost savings, safety, or creativity in support of NNSA’s nuclear weapons program.