Some members of the B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP) Last Production Unit (LPU) Team receiving their award. Photo by Michael Schumacher.
Two teams at Pantex have been recognized by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for their contributions to national security. The B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP) Last Production Unit (LPU) Team and the High Explosives Additive Manufacturing Modification Team have been named winners of the 2024 Defense Programs Award of Excellence (DPAE).
This award recognizes teams or individuals who have made a significant impact in quality, productivity, cost-saving, creativity, or enhanced security.
The B61-12 LEP LPU team was also awarded the exceptional achievement addition to the DPAE. According to the NNSA, “The DPAE with Exceptional Achievement award recognizes only those efforts and accomplishments that result in a unique, extensive, unusual, enhanced, unexpected, or extraordinary contribution or achievement to the Defense Programs mission.”
Tanner Massucci, B61-12 LEP LPU team lead, expressed how the collaboration of Pantexans led to this honor.
“The team masterfully navigated numerous internal and external technical complexities throughout the production life cycle, ultimately mitigating operational impacts to the production line,” Massucci said. “This prestigious award not only acknowledges the successful culmination of a multi-year LEP but, more significantly, celebrates the unwavering dedication and exceptional effort demonstrated by Pantexans across the entire site to achieve this pivotal milestone.”
High Explosives Additive Manufacturing Modification Team Lead Ben Hickam said the group worked diligently to deliver the project and he is honored that the work has been recognized.
“This award recognizes the excellent work of the team to complete this project, which illustrates the contribution of the team as it delivers over 50 important projects annually, optimizing for tomorrow,” Hickam said. “It really does require a great team to accomplish our mission.”
Congratulations to both teams!
Some members of the High Explosives Additive Manufacturing Modification Team. Photo by Michael Schumacher.