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Take 5 minutes to learn about Brandon T., Bay/Cell & Prod/Disposition project controls representative. This article details his role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture CNS offers.

Staying on budget and on schedule—two high-priority tasks that Brandon T. ensures in his work supporting portfolio and project managers.

“I work with the Integrated Project team to develop solutions to challenges that arise on multimillion-dollar and multifaceted construction projects and enjoy the collaboration of working with so many Pantexans,” Brandon said. “It’s truly a team atmosphere.”

Being part of a team is something Brandon is used to. He has been at Pantex for 3 years and previously worked for the Department of Defense, plus served in the U. S. Navy for 10 years.

On a daily basis, Brandon manages a spreadsheet that tracks all costs for the entire bay/cell portfolio –– which includes the design, build, and testing of the high-pressure fire loop, the Flame Detection System, and the updates to the Radiation Alarm Monitoring System in production facilities.

“Continually updating that spreadsheet and tracking portfolio costs makes it a continually moving target that must be managed constantly to ensure the budget does not get overrun,” he said. “Managing that makes me feel like my role in portfolio works toward keeping a successful mission.”

Brandon enjoys discussing the bay/cell portfolio and project costs with managers. He is always ready to defend and explain the numbers of a project to ensure accurate reporting. Making a decision and sticking with it is one way he has dealt with problem-solving in his role.

“Everyone has their own ways of problem-solving, but when it comes to making a decision, people tend to become hesitant and question themselves on if they have made the best decision,” Brandon said. “There are many ways to handle an issue, but it cannot be resolved unless you or someone else makes the decision on how to do it and sticks with it.”

Whether he’s solving a problem, laboring over a spreadsheet, or crunching numbers, Brandon is proud to be a Pantexan.

“I love having this great opportunity to continue my service to our country,” he said. “I see so many people at Pantex who want to serve our nation and protect our national security, making America and Amarillo an even better place to live.”

What has surprised you the most since joining CNS?
Coming from the Department of Defense, I wasn’t surprised with much of the security measures or quality checks, but how far in advance projects are being planned and managed to forecast expected costs from contractor to CNS support surprised me.

What is one thing your coworkers be surprised to know about you?
I enjoy helping my wife make candles! Shoutout to her and her company Scenter Stage!

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
I enjoy going shooting! I picked up the joys of shooting when I was in the Navy and it has stuck with me since. It is a skill that always must be practiced or will be lost and there are always new skills to be learned or improved.

Take 5 minutes to learn about Elizabeth B., a Pantex senior administrative assistant. This article details her role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture CNS offers. Now included in the questions is one related to a CNS performance element (communications, teamwork, problem‑solving, accountability, interpersonal, technical competence, or leadership). All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

In her role, Liz B. sees firsthand the difference her Pantex colleagues make through their attitude and dedication.

“My favorite part of my work environment is the people,” she explained. “We have great people in our organization who work hard, get their jobs done daily, and can laugh and joke while doing that.”

Being able to laugh and have fun helps keep Liz grounded as she manages tasks that range from mundane meetings and room scheduling to the vital, such as document preparation and managing organizational changes. Through the flurry of daily activity, having encouraging, dedicated, and hardworking people around her, Liz said, creates a more inviting work environment that makes everyone more productive.

“It’s nice to want to come to work every day and be around great people—because when people are happy, they work harder and you can see the mission being accomplished.”

What Liz may sometimes forget, though, is the profound degree to which she contributes to the positive environment she, too, enjoys.

“She follows through on every detail, and is a great asset to her organization.”

That’s how one colleague viewed her, and he wasn’t alone. Liz’s supervisor, Monty B., called her a “perfect fit” for his team.

“She is very proactive about reaching out to her mentors to learn the multitude of business systems it takes to run the office, and then is very willing to share her knowledge with others in the team,” he explained. “Liz is always willing to help others, and her contagious, positive attitude is greatly appreciated by those who work with her every day.”

For her part, Liz sees herself as just modeling for others the kind of behavior she would want in their place.

“I think my greatest strength is [my] willingness to help,” she said, also stressing the importance of putting pride aside when outside assistance is warranted. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help,” Liz continued. “Be your own advocate because there are plenty of good people out here willing to help you learn.”

A collaborative spirit and a commitment to continued learning—these are hallmarks of employee excellence and, as Monty pointed out, the outcome of this approach often enriches not only individual employees, but the entire organization as well.

“Liz has a talent for coming up with better ways to accomplish the work, so she is a great sounding board for ideas,” he said. “Pantex is very fortunate to have someone of Liz’s character and competence help us with the incredible mission we have.”

For much of her life, that incredible mission went on completely outside of Liz’s attention.

“I have lived … my entire life close to the Pantex plant and had no real idea how this place helped protect our country until coming to work out here. I have a new respect for what this place does for our entire country.”

Perhaps she was too busy with her previous career as a nurse over an 11-year span which saw her provide vital services to those in need, a facet of her professional life that has not changed.

“I enjoyed working as a nurse, and I enjoy my job here at Pantex now. I just like helping people and knowing that what I do makes a difference.”

Make a difference?

Indeed, she does.

Everyone offers value to our tasks. Why must we be open to learning and hearing from others?
No one is right all the time. No one is perfect, and there is always someone out there who has more knowledge who we can learn from. We have to be humble enough to ask, pay attention when we are learning something new, and be a good steward by passing the information along.

How has teamwork allowed you to grow as an employee?
I am very independent, but working here has shown me that it is OK to ask for help when I need it, and that I can rely on my teammates to help so that I don’t become overwhelmed.

What characteristics define a good leader to you?
A good leader is someone who can inspire people to work hard for them and get the best out of people without even having to try hard. They lead by example, setting goals and expectations, hold people accountable while still understanding and realizing that we are all humans who sometimes make mistakes. A good leader will never ask someone to do something they themselves wouldn’t be willing to do.

What is your top bucket list item, and why?
I have a long bucket list, but one of the things at the top would have to be going to Alaska and going fishing for king salmon. I love anything outdoors, and seeing Alaska would be amazing to me.

In your view, what about Pantex makes it a unique community?
One surprise to me is how many different backgrounds make up the people of Pantex. The people who work here are from all over the country, and it makes us diverse and unique, and it increases the strengths of Pantex as a whole.

AMARILLO, Texas. – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Infrastructure recently presented Excellence Awards to teams supporting infrastructure at Y-12 National Security Complex and the Pantex Plant. The annual award program recognizes teams and individuals for infrastructure-related accomplishments that advance the NNSA mission. Three teams from the Y-12 National Security Complex and four teams at the Pantex Plant were recognized for work completed in Fiscal Year 2023.

The award-winning teams are made up of Consolidated Nuclear Security employees from Pantex and Y-12 as well as NNSA’s Y-12 and Pantex field offices. The infrastructure improvements they were recognized for ranged from operations to emergency response support.

“These award-winning projects highlight our outstanding commitment to improve facilities and infrastructure in order to continue safe and secure delivery to our wide variety of customers,” NS Chief Operations Officer Chris Harkins said. “Recognition from NNSA reinforces that our teams are among the top in the nation.”

Pantex projects include upgrades, replacements, and rapid response

The Pantex projects receiving awards included bay and cell upgrades, equipment replacements, and a quick-turn electrical outage.

NNSA’s Office of Infrastructure ensures the existing buildings and systems we have are safely operated, effectively managed, and that the facilities being added are adequately maintained to meet mission needs,” Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong said. “These individuals have raised the bar of mission success for many years to come.”

The Pantex Bay and Cell Portfolio is a multiyear suite of projects to upgrade the bays and cells where Pantex performs critical assembly and disassembly work. A team working two projects in the portfolio, the High-Pressure Fire Loop and the Flame Detection System, delivered more systems in less time than expected, allowing additional availability for mission work.

Two teams replaced aging equipment on site. The first team demonstrated exceptional agility, timeliness, and collaboration to find and install a new air compressor after an aging air compressor failed. The second team removed combustibles and repaired a fire protection system and associated utilities in a vital operations facility 17 weeks ahead of schedule with a
perfect safety record.

Finally, another Pantex team completed a complicated series of electrical switching and system impairments flawlessly, safely, and in record time in response to a cable failure.

These projects highlight the breadth and caliber of work at Pantex and Y-12 as the sites continue infrastructure modernization efforts.

Y-12 projects include new facilities, process improvements

The award-winning projects at Y-12 included the new operations center and fire station as well as shipping and receiving improvements.

“Infrastructure work impacts the mission, but it also has an intensely personal impact for every employee on site,” Y-12 Field Office Manager Mary Helen Hitson said. “Each of these projects, while impressive in their own rights, directly improve employee safety, security, and morale.”

One team replaced two 1940s-era facilities on-site, the Y-12 Fire Station and Operations Center. The new emergency services buildings modernize operations and improve quality of work-life for first responders who occupy facilities around the clock, 365 days a year. The work, completed as an NNSA pilot program for construction, successfully demonstrated that a similar construction approach can be applied at other sites.

Two teams responded to ongoing challenges in shipping and receiving. The first drove wireless capability installation to track real-time shipments using laptops and tablets, reducing delivery time by 25%. The second developed the first ever overarching program for disposal of material, creating and revising procedures, training users, and conducting assessments.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

This West Interconnect Recovery team was honored with an Excellence Award from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Infrastructure for successfully completing a complicated outage 4 weeks ahead of schedule.

Two teams were honored for replacing equipment in bays and cells, both earning an Excellence Award from the National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Infrastructure. The team pictured above worked on upgrades to the Flame Detection System and six High-Pressure Fire Loop systems. The team below performed necessary maintenance to cells.

This team was honored with an Excellence Award from the National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Infrastructure for the replacement of an aging air compressor. They worked through delays and supply-chain issues to make this replacement happen.

Two teams were honored for replacing equipment in bays and cells, both earning an Excellence Award from the National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Infrastructure. The team pictured above worked on upgrades to the Flame Detection System and six High-Pressure Fire Loop systems. The team below performed necessary maintenance to cells.

Take 5 minutes to learn about Pantex employee Jim F. This article details his role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture that CNS offers. Now included in the questions is one related to a CNS performance element (communications, teamwork, problem solving, accountability, interpersonal, technical competence, or leadership). All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

Linchpin––that term describes an object, function or process that holds together all elements of a complicated structure, making possible its operation or success.

Jim F. is just one of what he views as thousands of linchpins working at Pantex. He specializes in installing large commercial equipment across the plant, yet he sees his role through the lens of humility, as evidenced by one key memory he shared:

“There was an occasion while I was on travel,” he recalled. “I was picking up a rental car. The agent noticed I worked for Consolidated Nuclear Security. He asked me with a thick Russian accent, ‘Nuclear security? You must be pretty special. What do you do?’ I was thinking to myself, ‘Am I about to be followed? This situation could turn bad.’ I told him, ‘Not really, I just install commodes and roads.’”

“The true reality is,” Jim continued, “we are all pretty special here at Pantex because we are all vital to the mission, no matter what our job title is. We all make this place work.”

Jim’s share in this ‘pretty special’ place began in spring of 1994 when he was hired in Waste Operations.

The funny thing is that, despite having served his nation in the Coast Guard and proudly possessing a strong patriotic fervor, for much of his life, Pantex was nowhere on his occupational radar. Were it not for an early-career injury, he might have continued to pursue a career as an air-traffic controller. The unexpected turn of events has given Pantex decades of benefit from his personal and professional leadership.

“I did not have any intentions of seeking a job at Pantex,” he recalled. “However, it turned out some of my classmates and instructors worked at Pantex. My relationships with those folks led to an opportunity to interview for a position in the Waste Operations department.”

Key relationships combined with lots of hard work and dedication—these are reoccurring themes in any discussion with Jim, who has made the utmost out of these principles in both his personal and professional life.

Pretty special, indeed.

What is your top bucket list item, and why?
I would like to sail to Antarctica and pull ports in Australia and New Zealand on the way there and back. I have never been south of the equator. During my time in the Coast Guard, I served on a ship out of Kodiak, Alaska, that was capable of breaking ice. We sailed into the Arctic Ocean to escort research vessels into the ice.

What characteristics define a good leader to you?
There are a few virtues that I live my life by: trust, detachment, thoughtfulness, joy, kindness, courage, tranquility, focus, humility, wisdom, orderliness, generosity, gratitude, self-control, assertiveness, and integrity.

Share a lesson learned from a leader in your past. Why was this a good (or bad) lesson?
A good listener makes a good leader. Several years ago, I participated in a training for future managers. The plant manager at the time was listening to a discussion that my group was having. Later that week, he quoted something I had said during that conversation. I was impressed that he actively listened to what I had to say.

Who in your life has most inspired you, and why?
My wife has been my greatest inspiration. If not for my relationship with her, I would not be working here today. She encouraged me to go back to school and pursue a different path in my life.

Donation replaces city’s damaged emergency vehicle

AMARILLO, Texas– On June 15, 2023, the town of Perryton was hit by an EF-3 tornado, killing three people, and causing millions of dollars in damage, including the Perryton Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services station.

That night, Pantex received a call from Carson County officials, asking if emergency assistance could be sent to Perryton, according to Pantex Fire Chief Mike Brock. “We received the request a few hours after the tornado hit. Even though Perryton is not in our mutual aid area, the request came from one of our mutual aid partners, and we responded with an ambulance. If able, we are always happy to assist when needed in any of our Panhandle area communities.”

During that storm, Perryton’s only ambulance was destroyed. The ambulance Pantex originally sent to Perryton for assistance had just replaced an older ambulance and was due to be excessed. CNS and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) agreed to loan Perryton the use of the excessed ambulance for a year through an Agreement in Principle with the state of Texas.

“When the question was raised about further assistance by getting an ambulance to them, everyone involved--from headquarters to the firefighters who dropped the ambulance off -- never wavered in their commitment to help out neighbors across the region,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong.

In addition, CNS reached back out to NNSA to determine if additional assistance could be provided, including transferring ownership of the loaned ambulance to Perryton. Almost a year to the day later, Pantex received word on June 24 of this year that the loaned ambulance has been permanently transferred to the city of Perryton.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pxy12.doe.gov

Pantex employees (from left to right) Brandy Morgan, Matthew Rainey, and Amy King of Kiesler Police Supply, Inc.

AMARILLO, Tx. – Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) honored Kiesler Police Supply, Inc. and Manhattan Legacy Service, LLC, as Small Businesses of the Year for fiscal year 2023. Kiesler Police Supply has provided Pantex with supplies for the site’s Protective Force since 2015. Manhattan Legacy Service has supported the Y-12 National Security Complex since 2017 by providing business and technical services.

Kiesler delivers critical items

“It was a wonderful surprise to win this award,” Kiesler representative Amy King said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to actually meet some of the people I work with on a regular basis via phone and e-mail.”

Kiesler was nominated by Matthew Rainey of Supply Chain Management, who said Kiesler is proactive and provides great customer service to Pantex.

“Kiesler Police Supply has been instrumental in procuring equipment for ProForce,” he said. “Over the last year, they have been able to assist us in meeting our ammunition needs and have always been willing to go the extra mile for us. They have also delivered ahead of schedule on some critical items that were impacted by supply chain issues. Kiesler continues to work to find solutions for us on items that are becoming increasingly hard to procure due to global strains on supply.”

Dedication to small businesses

CNS continued its commitment to small businesses in 2023, spending more than $500 million with small businesses. Y-12 spent more than $400 million with small businesses, including $134 million in the East Tennessee region. Pantex spent $138.2 million with small businesses, including $75.4 million spent in the Amarillo area.

Protégé excels

In 2021, Manhattan Legacy Service (MLS) signed a mentor-protégé agreement with Y-12. This agreement helped the company grow their business and provide knowledgeable and experienced employees to CNS. The company also received assistance from APEX Accelerator, which assists businesses in competing in federal, state and local government contracting.

On winning the award, Diana West, president and CEO of MLS, said, “This is the result of the knowledgeable and experienced employees who continue to be dedicated to providing quality service to Consolidated Nuclear Security. As a protégé of the Mentor-Protégé program, MLS could not have been this successful without the assistance of not only the mentor, Bill Barrett of Y-12 Field Intelligence, but also Greta Ownby of Y-12 Small Business, Jutta Bangs of APEX Accelerator, and the Y-12 Procurement group.”

“Exceptional company”

Kelli Culp of Y-12 Procurement nominated MLS for Small Business of the Year.

“The owner and her team are dependable, efficient, and easy to work with—an exceptional company overall,” she said.

MLS provides consultation, guidance, knowledge, and expertise to Y-12 and other U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) prime contractors. In 2023, their personnel mentored new employees in the NNSA Office of Defense Programs Strategic Materials Production Modernization, providing valuable background and perspective in national security.

MLS also provided technical and programmatic nuclear nonproliferation support for CNS Program Integration. Further, through the precious metal recycle and reuse program, MLS has saved DOE approximately $1.2 million. By identifying and removing difficult materials that have been stored for more than 20 years, MLS has and continues to open space for CNS’s reuse.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Corporate and employee contributions totaled more than $100,000

AMARILLO, Texas– Fundraising efforts following the largest Panhandle area wildfires in Texas history have concluded at Pantex. Corporate donations along with employee contributions and local fundraising efforts has resulted in $101,036 dollars being raised for local wildfire relief.

Bechtel-led Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, the management and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, joined with its parent companies in fundraising efforts at Pantex. The charitable arm of CNS parent company Bechtel, the Bechtel Group Foundation donated $25,000 to Hutchinson County United Way, matching up to $25,000 in additional funds donated by its employees around the world and Leidos, a CNS parent company, also donated $10,000 to the United Way of Hutchinson County, along with other corporate donations.

Pantex hosted fundraisers from the sales of commemorative t-shirts as well a portion of food sales from Pantex’s cafeteria along with more than a dozen food trucks onsite.

While there was no damage to Pantex property and no Pantex employees were injured at the plant as the wildfires abated about three miles from the plant’s boundary, the Pantex Fire Department built firebreaks, prepared the plant for the fires, and responded to communities near the plant.

“Thanks to the swift efforts, properties were protected and Pantex remained safe,” said Colby Yeary, Pantex Site Manager. “There has been an outpouring of Panhandle pride and spirit through donations, volunteer efforts, and assistance coming in from all over the area and across the state. We wanted to show our own support to our communities in need through our own fundraising efforts.”

The donated funds have been presented to the United Way of Hutchinson County and the Amarillo Area Foundation for distribution.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pxy12.doe.gov

More than 4,600 now employed at Pantex

AMARILLO, Texas– More than eight decades ago, during World War II, the Pantex Ordnance plant was a major contributor during the global conflict. At its height in January 1943, Pantex employed 5,254 full time employees. When WWII ended, Pantex closed its doors. Then in 1951 the Federal Government reclaimed the site, creating the cornerstone of the nuclear weapons complex.
Since 1975, Pantex has been the nation’s primary assembly, disassembly, retrofit, and modification center for nuclear weapons. The total number of employees has changed throughout the decades. Ten years ago, it remained consistent with approximately 3,100 employees. That number has increased dramatically over the last few years as hundreds of new employees have been hired at Pantex.

“That growth is simply explained,” said Colby Yeary, Pantex Site Manager. “Our workload has increased and with that increase – the need to bring on hundreds of new Pantexans to meet production demands. It became obvious that our work force would have to grow to match the more than 70% increase in our work load. We’ve been hiring ever since and now at of the most recent count, Pantex has 4,626 employees.”

According to Pantex Field Office Manager, Jason Armstrong, “The economic impact of Pantex on our community – and the entire Panhandle – cannot be overstated. It’s something we’re very proud of. We rely on Pantexans daily to deliver our national security deterrent by combining their unique talents and abilities, driven by their deep sense of patriotism and dedication. What also cannot be overstated is the importance of Pantex. In light of today’s real-world geopolitical conditions, our responsibility to deliver on our mission to enable global security is absolutely vital. It’s the growing number of Pantexans who make that happen.”

According to Yeary, growth at Pantex will continue. “As we continue to move forward—we continue to grow in numbers and scope within the community. Later this year, we are going to house 300 employees in the city Amarillo to accommodate expansion and teleworking. We will continue with our modernization programs, including an increased workload and work force,” he said.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pxy12.doe.gov

Each department at Pantex is connected to every other department in one way or another. Some connections may be more obvious or well-documented, but support for other organizations is a common thread at Pantex.

A case in point is the Pantex Fire Department (PXFD), which depends on the highly skilled mechanics trained and certified to maintain emergency vehicles.

The emergency vehicle technician (EVT) program is vital for PXFD. Fire department apparatuses, the cost of which range from a few hundred thousand to more than $1M, are expected to last 20 years. With their sophisticated components, these vehicles require meticulous maintenance from EVTs to ensure they remain in optimal condition.

“Before [the EVT program’s] implementation, the PXFD faced challenges in maintaining operational apparatuses,” said PXFD Chief Mike Brock. “Since its inception, the EVTs have significantly enhanced the fire department's overall operation and readiness, proving to be invaluable assets.”

The EVTs at Pantex diligently adhere to maintenance schedules and manufacturer specifications to keep these vehicles operational, and they have become an integral part of the department's daily operations. The site’s six EVTs were recently recognized at a special luncheon.

Deputy Plant Manager Kenny Steward spoke at the luncheon and expressed his appreciation for the ongoing contributions of all the EVTs.

During the luncheon, the inaugural EVT of the Year award was given as a recognition of excellent performance. The award was created to honor an exceptional mechanic and department friend, one of the original EVTs, Roy Linton, who passed in 2020.

“Roy was a hard worker, positive, kind and above all else, a man of character. He approached his work with professionalism and took immense pride in ensuring our rigs remained operational, ensuring our firefighters returned home after every response,” said Captain Josh Brown of the Pantex Fire Department. “Roy was the embodiment of reliability and integrity.”

The 2024 EVT of the Year award went to Phil Davis. He was recognized for his unwavering commitment and dedication to excellence, reflecting Roy’s exemplary qualities and the spirit of this honor.

People of Pantex is a series of short features that highlights what makes Pantexans unique when they are not working and how those activities help them contribute to the mission.

Consolidated Nuclear Security Career ONE engineer Nate Copley is not afraid of a challenge. After all, he graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in mechanical engineering, landed his dream job at Pantex, moved to a new city, and paid off his student loans — all within 1 year.

When he made his final student loan payment in February, Copley knew he had to celebrate in a big way.

“At first, I thought about going out for a nice steak dinner by myself or having fun with the friends I’ve made here, but I wanted to do something bigger,” he said. “I wanted to do something ridiculous. I wanted to do something exciting.”

Enter the world-famous 72-oz steak challenge at The Big Texan Steak Ranch.

“I had heard about the big steak challenge since I moved to Amarillo,” he said. “One night I was driving home and saw that giant cowboy sign standing there and I said to myself, ‘You know, I bet I can do that. I can enjoy a really good, really big steak dinner for free.’ That’s where it all started.”

For more than 60 years, The Big Texan has served hearty meals to hungry travelers cruising down historic Route 66, but the restaurant quickly became known for its steak challenge.

The challenge is simple: eat a 72-oz steak, shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, and dinner roll in less than 60 minutes and the meal is free. Over the years, more than 90,000 people have attempted it, but only around 11% have succeeded.

With Copley committed to joining an exclusive club of champions that includes legendary professional wrestler Andre the Giant, original host of Man v. Food Adam Richman, and funnyman Will Ferrell, he began to prepare for the epic test.

“I definitely took an engineering approach when preparing for this challenge,” he said. “My education and experience as an engineer at Pantex helped me break down the problem into small parts and work out a solution, which is what I do at work every day,” he added with a smile.

Part of that preparation was eating a version of the challenge meal with a smaller 16-oz steak, which Copley consumed in just over 10 minutes. The weekend before the big day, he powered down 2.5 lb of cabbage and another 2.5 lb of watermelon to simulate the approximately 5 lb of food he would soon face. He managed that in 44 minutes.

When the big day arrived, Copley was prepared and excited for the challenge ahead. The one thing he wasn’t prepared for was the number of friends and coworkers who showed up at The Big Texan to encourage him. In addition to the nearly 20 Pantexans who were there in person, he heard from several more who watched via the restaurant’s livestream.

“My parents and sister came down from Colorado to support me, but I had no idea so many of my new friends from Pantex would be there to cheer me on,” he remembered. “Having those people come out to support and encourage me helped keep me going.”

Steve Carder, Copley’s supervisor and the person who recruited him into the Pantex Career ONE program, knew he wanted to be there as soon as he heard about the plan to complete the challenge.

“Getting to know Nate over the past year like I have, this made perfect sense to me,” Carder said. “He is an enthusiastic person who approaches challenges well, especially fun ones. His family and friends joined him for this event not only to support him but also to celebrate him paying off his student loans. He took pride in completing his responsibility.”

Regardless of the outcome of his attempt to tackle the famous — and feared — food feat, Copley got exactly what he wanted: a celebration that he would not soon forget. The support he received, however, gave him much more.

“Seeing everyone show up for me was important to me, but it also meant a lot to my parents,” he said. “For them to see how well I am doing here and how incredible the people are really let them know that I am in a good place, with a good company, and surrounded by great people. For my family to meet my new work family and friends here was the best part of all.”