Former nuclear safety chief back at Y-12 as temporary COO

Joe Henry, the former chief of nuclear safety operations at the Y-12 National Security Complex, is returning to temporarily serve as chief operating officer.

B&W Y-12 announced the appointment today.

The new position has been created to aid the plant’s president and general manager in overall site management, focusing in particular on operations, a press release said.

Henry is now president of Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. in Erwin, Tenn., and he is expected to temporarily serve in the COO position at B&W Y-12 for the next several months.

“Joe’s expertise and working knowledge of Y-12 is an asset to us, and we are fortunate to have him assisting us at this time,” said Charles “Chuck” G. Spencer, B&W Y-12 president and general manager. “Ensuring safe, secure operations at Y-12 is imperative, and Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on our mission.”

When he was chief of nuclear safety operations at Y-12, Henry oversaw the site’s nuclear safety program and conduct of operations, the press release said. He also was Y-12’s chief interface with the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

Henry is a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral. He served as commanding officer for two nuclear submarines—USS Kentucky and USS Key West—and as commander of Submarine Group Ten in Kings Bay, Ga.