Pantex Blog
Pantex buys green, earns gold
Pantex earned the GreenBuy Gold Award from the U.S. Department of Energy for sustainable purchasing in Fiscal Year 2024.
Pantex is turning green into gold. In January, Pantex earned the GreenBuy Gold Award from the U.S. Department of Energy for sustainable purchasing in Fiscal Year 2024. This is the second time Pantex has been recognized at the gold level, which demonstrates exceptional achievements in sustainable acquisition, and the fifth year Pantex has earned a GreenBuy award at any level.
“It is extremely gratifying that Pantex is receiving this award for a second time, further demonstrating our continued commitment to becoming a leader in environmental stewardship,” said Harry Gulley, Environment, Safety, and Health director. “We’re striving to maintain this momentum and always seeking to improve our sustainability efforts.”
The award recognizes excellence in “green purchasing” that extends beyond minimum compliance. Pantex earned this honor by purchasing twelve priority products in six categories. Products included materials in construction, custodial, electronics, operations, grounds/landscaping, and more.
“The easiest switches have been in the custodial category where Pantex has been buying preferred products such as toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels for years,” said Alicia Barley, Environmental Compliance manager.
Barley also mentioned seeing great success in the electronics category with purchasing Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)-certified equipment such as computers and mobile phones which has led to receiving EPEAT purchasers award for four-years running.
“Earning the GreenBuy award becomes progressively more challenging over time because you can only repeat three products a year, so each year we have to plan ahead and evaluate what is being bought and research possible substitute products,” Barley said. “But we have a great system for approvals of purchase requisitions in place that has really been what has given us the cutting edge to succeed.”
Barley said the biggest challenge for Pantex is finding good substitutes for products that might not meet the needs of the type of work that we do and that a lack of information on manufacturers’ websites sometimes make it difficult to verify if the product meets all requirements. Despite the challenges, Barley feels like the effort is worth it for the benefits to the site and the environment.
“It comes back to leading by example and doing what we can to make a difference and help the plant become more sustainable and reduce its environmental impact while achieving the mission,” said Barley. “Everyone that purchases products at the plant plays a huge part in the success of the sustainable acquisition program. By giving preference to products that are energy and water efficient, alternative fuel/fuel-efficient vehicles, non-ozone depleting substances, or made from biobased or recycled content; these small and easy switches have big impacts in the long run for the environment!”
The award will be presented at the 2025 Energy Exchange in August. Pantex is on its way to achieving the Prime Award which is reserved for those that achieve three or more gold-level awards.
High Explosive Science and Engineering Facility continues to make leaps and bounds
An aerial view of the High Explosives Science and Engineering Complex.
Construction continues at Pantex on the High Explosives Science and Engineering (HESE) Facility, with multiple milestones achieved during the fall and winter seasons.
The HESE main works (HESE MWs) project buzz continued through the end of 2024. The HESE team completed two more internal project milestones: completion of structural concrete and reinforcing steel and application of permanent power to the Technology Development and Deployment Laboratory (TD/DL). The first was met on September 11, 2024, when subcontractors for the HESE Hensel Phelps (HP) began an overnight placement of approximately 700 cubic yards of concrete that ended in the early hours of the following day.
“Successfully completing the final concrete placement on the High Explosives (HE) Lab caps off a yearlong effort to build a tremendous structure,” said HP Project Manager Cody Edwards. “Doing this without any incidents is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and care deployed by the men and women who worked tirelessly to achieve such a milestone. Hensel Phelps is proud to be a part of these accomplishments.”
The following week, HP placed the front face of the HESE ’s earth-covered high explosives bunker to complete all structural concrete and steel on the project.
“With the three different buildings compete with ‘dry-in’, the project is able to transition focus to interior construction activities,” Rory Hayden, PXD HESE Project Manager said. “Permanent power and climate control will allow interior finishes to begin. The buildings are beginning to take their final form.”
The project was able to apply permanent power to the TD/DL in late September. The application of permanent power is a highly scrutinized activity that requires a team effort to accomplish smoothly.
“Achieving permanent power is both a logistical achievement as well as a momentum indicator on a project that requires all stakeholders involved to work seamlessly together,” Edwards said. “PXD and Hensel Phelps overcame several obstacles in order to achieve this without any undue influences on the plant, which will allow the project to transition into critical buildout and commissioning phases.”
The first quarter of 2025 will bring major advancements across all of HESE MWs, including HP’s completion of site utilities. The TD/DL will have air conditioning, and with that, the beginning of interior finishes. The HE Lab will be done with exterior work and interior work continuing full steam ahead with power to the building early this year.
Overall, the HESE project is 88% complete with construction on track to be finished on schedule by the end of August 2025.
I am Mission Success: Paige Miller
Take 5 minutes to learn about Paige Miller, material engineer. This article details Miller’s role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture Pantex offers. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pantex or PanTeXas Deterrence.
Ensuring the production line at Pantex has the materials needed in a safe and timely manner is integral to the success of providing the nuclear deterrent to the United States. What happens if a material has supply chain issues or a design flaw? It’s Paige Miller’s role as a Weapon Material Program (WMP) material engineer and site lead for at-risk materials to identify issues with items that touch a weapon.
“As site lead for at-risk materials, I lead a team at Pantex that collaborates with all Nuclear Security Enterprise sites to proactively identify materials at risk due to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical factors, legislative changes, and design issues,” Miller said. “We then assess potential impacts of risks on-site and facilitate mitigation strategies to ensure operational continuity.”
During the three years Miller has spent in the WMP, the academic and professional growth she has experienced has been a surprise to her.
“I completed my master’s in systems engineering with the support of my management team, and was encouraged to take the lead with at-risk materials when my passion for the work was vocalized,” Miller stated. “I have been provided with a sense of community at work and made lifelong friends, which is not something I expected.”
Miller described the community outreach aspect at Pantex being a favorite part of the job, and has chosen to give back to the community through Introduce a Girl to Engineering and Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering. The pride in the mission and support of the community is something that stands out to Miller.
“I have been told by others that have traveled to multiple other sites that their experience at Pantex is different due to the mission pride being seen and felt everywhere.”
Miller will soon be taking on a new role in the Environmental Compliance department.
“I hope to continue to support at-risk materials in the environmental regulatory arena in my new position,” Miller said. “I will also continue to advocate for WMP wherever I go and live their motto of ‘better every day.’”
Why are you mission success?
I am mission success because I work every day to ensure our mission is met with materials needed for production and future development.
Are you doing what you envisioned as a young adult? If so, describe how you got here.
I would say I am doing what I set out to do when I started my academic career, which is to solve problems in support of protecting people—which is what the mission is, my vision was just a little different. My undergraduate degree is in environmental engineering; I initially wanted to work in water resources or energy management, so water/waste water treatment or renewable energy. With my new role in environmental sustainability, I will be able to accomplish that.
What top strength do you bring to your organization and why?
I think a strength I bring is leadership through my determination to following through on a project or task even when new, unanticipated challenges show up. Also, interpersonal leadership though mentorship and guidance to the organization for newer members is a strength I possess.
Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
I’m inspired everyday by all the women I have had or have the opportunity to work with in all the phases of my academic and professional career. They inspire me to have big dreams and keep moving forward.
How have your problem-solving skills grown as you’ve developed as an employee?
I have had a tremendous amount of growth in my problem-solving skills through tackling specific material issues and working on equipment implementation projects within WMP. Completing my master’s introduced a new perspective as well to tacking problems from a holistic view point. Taking on the at-risk materials lead position drove me to develop skills in collaborative efforts.
What advice would you offer a newer employee about the importance of solving problems and asking questions?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Also don’t focus on proving yourself, but improving. Sometimes when we are fresh in a new role, we feel like we have to prove our value or intelligence. Honestly after working with so many people and helping mentor almost a handful, asking questions makes you interested and engaged in the work.
Fire department raises thousands for local cancer center
The fire department donated money raised from the “give cancer the axe” T-shirt fundraiser to 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center on December 11.
A little more than a week—that’s how long it took for the Pantex Fire Department to sell the 500 shirts that raised thousands of dollars during Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The department donated the $5,820 it raised from the “give cancer the axe” shirt sale to 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center, whose mission is to provide resources that meet and address the unique needs of cancer survivors.
Fire Captain Thomas Pahl, who organized the fundraiser, said it is second nature for first responders to want to give back to people in their surrounding areas.
“Serving the community is an integral component to the profession,” Pahl said. “The survivorship center’s mission closely aligns with the fire department’s mission of caring for people. While our efforts may not fund a cure, it’s reassuring to know this can help provide those dealing with cancer additional options as they navigate a difficult journey.”
The survivorship center provides programs and services free for any adult survivor during and after the completion of treatment. The free services range from personal training, nutrition, art classes, group exercise, book clubs, and mind-body practices like mentoring or yoga. The center also has an application process for assisting cancer patients who are financially stressed while undergoing treatments. There may even be a time when a Pantexan or their family member may benefit from the center’s services.
“Pantex is one of the largest employers in our region, and has employed personnel from all areas of the Texas Panhandle,” Pahl said. “I see giving back to the community as a lifelong commitment that is a form of compassion in action. If it makes a difference for even one person, it’s worth the extra time and effort.”
This fundraiser is just one of the many ways the fire department gives back. They participate in food drives, cookoffs, and other community-building events throughout the year. Community involvement is a cornerstone of the Emergency Services mission.
“For most first responders, our interaction with the public tends to happen on their worst day—whether it’s a medical emergency, traffic incident, house fire, or other situation,” Pahl said. “During those times, responders set up to help no matter the weather conditions, time of day, or occasion, and we do our part to alleviate the situation.”
Pahl said he believes they can improve the image of responders by presenting themselves in the public during non-emergent times and lending a helping hand—which is exactly what the department did during the T-shirt fundraiser.
“If you spend any time at all here, you quickly learn of the contagious Panhandle spirit that easily stirs the willingness to care and support one another,” Pahl said. “That, along with the nature of our profession, caring for people and supporting our communities, comes pretty naturally.”
That support continued with the recent High Plains Food Bank ‘Together We Can’ food drive. The fire department cooked burgers and hotdogs at the ribbon cutting to kick off the event.
Firefighters find new skills in scavenger hunt training
Captain Matt Ketelhut shows his crew a box found during scavenger hunt training at Amarillo College East in December.
I am always hungry. I must always be fed. The finger I touch will soon turn red. What am I?
Riddles are a part of life, maybe not in the “answer this to pass” way, but in the way that every day presents problems that need solved or situations where choices must be made—especially if you work in emergency services.
That is why when Pantex Fire Department Captain Jeremy Lyman saw scavenger hunt-style training online, he knew it would benefit his firefighters. Most first responders quickly know the answer to the riddle above is fire, but some riddles may be a little harder to solve. Scavenger hunt training combines potential real-life situations with critical thinking puzzles to complete a mission.
Training began with small groups in November at Amarillo College East and will continue through early 2025. The scavenger hunt involves nine different calls, including a variety of situations such as extrication exercises, potential fire scenes, and rope rescue. Training intentionally includes less-than-ideal conditions to simulate what could happen at a real scene.
“In a scenario where someone is locked out, firefighters have to defeat the lock without damaging the door, using different equipment to get the lock off and manipulate the deadbolt to get the door open,” Lyman said. “Once they get in there, there’s a box with a clue in it—something about rope rescue, but the building has no light, so whatever they bring in with them is what they have to work with.”
Lyman says training like this builds teamwork, enhances communication, and expands critical thinking skills. Small groups of four firefighters, enough to make up an engine company or a crew, work together to respond to incidents, create solutions, and stay true to the mission of preserving life and property. Resourcefulness and thinking outside of the box is critical for participants.
“It’s important because being a firefighter you don’t have to be good at one or two things; you have to be good at a multitude of things,” Lyman said. “You have to train in all of those areas in case the need arises for that one day. You need to be prepared for anything that will happen. This training covers a wide variety of emergencies firefighters could respond to. Most of these scenarios could happen out here at Pantex or our responding area with our mutual aid partners.”
Once a call is complete, trainers simulate going back into service so participants are ready for the next challenge, then they are dispatched to a new location.
“They have to change the channels on the truck radio and the portable radios, looking at maps and different resources to navigate the various addresses involved,” Lyman said. “It builds and improves on teamwork, problem solving, effective communication, and working under sub-optimal conditions.”
Firefighters are required to achieve at least 30 hours of continuing education credits per year, including classroom, online, and hands-on training like this.
“It’s something different, a more firsthand experience than sitting in a classroom,” Lyman said. “All firefighters will complete this and receive three hours of credit.”
Lyman said the training is multipurpose. It fulfills hands-on training time but also allows for a deeper understanding of how to use specialty equipment and tools that are not used every day.
“Some of the newer firefighters that come on haven’t done a lot of work with small equipment or other unique tools,” Captain Lyman said. “We work with chainsaws and thermal-imaging cameras on this. Those with more experience are educating them.”
Lyman has worked as a Pantex firefighter for the past 25 years. He said it is inspiring to see the new firefighters and more senior firefighters all come together to solve the riddles during the scavenger hunt and learn new skills.
“They go through the scenario; it’s not rushing through it—it’s slow and methodical,” Lyman said. “We can stop and answer questions. The veteran members of the department show the newer ones how to do things. It’s cool standing back and watching it, going through your scenario; they in turn help the new people, get everyone on the same page.”