NNSA Administrator Williams emphasizes deterrence, urgency and production in Kansas City visit

Brandon Williams, Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), recently visited the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) and delivered a powerful message focused on the critical pillars of deterrence, urgency and production within the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE). His remarks highlighted the invaluable contributions of the workforce, strategic importance of KCNSC and need for a cultural shift to meet evolving national security demands.

Administrator Williams underscored the profound commitment of the KCNSC workforce, acknowledging that their efforts represent not just themselves, but a generation dedicated to national security and the continued success of KCNSC. He spoke of his service as a Navy veteran, having spent 500 days at sea conducting strategic deterrent patrols, drawing parallels to the dedication he sees in the NNSA's federal workers and KCNSC employees.

The Administrator highlighted the remarkable growth of the KCNSC mission, noting an increase from 2,400 employees to nearly 7,000 and continued infrastructure expansion. He praised the recent completion of the Kansas City Non-Nuclear Expansion Transformation (KC NExT) project’s Phase 1, with significant progress being made on Phases 2 and 3. Williams stated the KC NExT project is more than an expansion; it is a foundational investment in the future of national security.

Looking to the future, Williams expressed confidence in KCNSC’s continued importance, noting it offers the opportunity for rewarding and long-tenured careers. He declared that the NSE is embarking upon a new era where the capabilities and investment in KCNSC will be critically important. He urged employees to remain committed to the mission, concluding with the powerful sentiment that in retirement, they will be able to look back and say they "bought another 80 years of peace because of their work."