Pantex Blog
Drones taking Pantex into the future in more ways than one
Reliability Master Data Engineer Nate Orwig holds a drone being used to construct 3D models and other tasks around Pantex.
As Pantex continues to develop its drone aviation program, the site’s fleet is being employed in new, exciting ways.
“With our current drones, we are doing 3D modeling,” explained Infrastructure and Projects Director Ryan George. “The first is of the water tower, with a goal of providing Projects Engineering a complete 3D model. There’s a project to improve the ladder and access. Using the drones to complete that model means people don’t have to climb up there — it’s a safety issue.”
George makes a crucial point about the drones’ safety benefit, yet that alone isn’t the driving force behind them.
“Drone inspections started out as a Plant-Directed Research and Development project I proposed,” said Reliability Programs Performance Analyst Tony Burks. “We have a lot of aging infrastructure and they’re starting to get damaged — cracks and so forth. It’s getting hard to track all that damage.”
So, how do the drones compile data on aging infrastructure?
“We use the drones’ 3D rendering software,” Burks said. “Using AI, it will go take all the images, and we put that into a software … that lets us calculate distances to within centimeters. Over time, we can look and see if there’s any damage, discolorations, or rust that’s formed and is starting to grow.”
The longer-term idea, as Burks described it, is to create three-dimensional models of Pantex buildings. The use of these models varies from helping Infrastructure to Safeguards and Security and beyond.
“If you do a 3D model of facilities once a year, basically, you can provide indications of settling or structural issues,” George said.
The more use cases that crop up for drones, the more varied, too, is the hardware employed. After all, not all drones operate in the skies above.
“Our domestic water tanks — any of your freshwater tanks — have a five-year inspection environment,” George said. “So, we either have to put a human being in dive gear or we have to drain the tank completely; do the inspection, the cleanup, and refill the tank; or, if we have an inspection drone, we can just put it in the tank.”
It seems when it comes to drones, the sky isn’t the limit — the imagination is.
Women in Weapons: The Female Leaders of Pantex Operations
The six women of Pantex Operations. From L to R: Whitney Conner, Jordan Payton, Adriene Marcos Ott, Daphne Gann, Juanita Jones, and Crystal Ybarra
At Pantex, we build bombs.
We build them safely, we build them efficiently, we build them with quality. From the minds behind designing efforts, the analysis required for testing, and the hands that put them together, national security is our mission.
When it comes to efficiency, Pantex’s Production Section Managers (PSMs) work diligently to make sure that work remains on schedule, that their respective teams know what the plan is, and what is expected of them.
In this unique industry that has been made up mostly of men from various mechanical and technical backgrounds, Operations PSMs Whitney Conner, Daphne Gann, Juanita Jones, Adriene Marcos Ott, Jordan Payton, and Crystal Ybarra make up the growing female production leadership at the plant.
From being a former a schoolteacher, auto mechanic, x-ray technician, or body shop technician, their various career paths led them to the operations world of Pantex where their work and accomplishments presented them with an opportunity to lead.
Women in operations leadership are rare, but these six have set the example that by having the interest, obtaining the skills, and exemplifying leadership in their daily work, they don’t have to be.
So, what do these six leaders have to say about women in leadership, their work experiences, and their best advice for those who aspire to serve in leadership?
Why is it so important to have women in leadership?
Whitney Conner: It’s easy to box yourself in on what jobs you can and cannot do. Seeing women out there every day working in leadership roles is a way to show other women that these jobs are out there and available.
Daphne Gann: It provides different perspectives, viewpoints, and experiences along with more robust discussions that lead to better decision making.
Juanita Jones: I think it introduces a diverse perspective. It allows us to serve as role models for those who have the traits to lead, but may not feel that they can. It’s important for us to step into these roles.
Adriene Marcos Ott: It is critical because diverse lived experiences lead to more balanced and effective decision making. Different perspectives are especially valuable when navigating complex or sensitive situations.
Jordan Payton: I think it provides representation for other females. We can bring in more conversations from a different perspective which benefits the entire group.
Crystal Ybarra: I feel like female leaders can bring different perspectives and experiences, whether it be in life or on the job. We bring different problem-solving skills to the workplace which can introduce different approaches to any particular scenario.
What is the best advice you received as you prepared for leadership?
Crystal Ybarra: Ask the question. In a position such as a PSM, one encounters so many new situations. The courage to ask the question is imperative for growth and effective decision making.
How did the Pantex culture prepare, and motivate you to take the step into a leadership role?
Whitney Conner: It’s amazing for people who want to find new opportunities. There’s always an opportunity to move around within the Pantex workforce. I’d seen the supervisor job post and knew from speaking with other leaders throughout the south end that I was ready to take on that role.
What advice would you offer other female employees who aspire to serve in positions of leadership?
Daphne Gann: Don’t be intimidated. You can do what you put your mind to. As long as you lead by example you will succeed.
Did you ever see yourself in a leadership role? Or did it first become an opportunity while at Pantex?
Juanita Jones: I never aspired to be a PSM. It took encouragement and recognition from another female leader before I noticed the leadership qualities in myself.
How have your experiences working within your departments prepared you to lead?
Adriene Marcos Ott: Having started as a technician in the SNM (Special Nuclear Material) department, I bridge the gap between management strategy and technician execution. This allows me to spot potential operational issues before they occur because I understand the technical realities my team faces every day.
What was a challenge of moving into a leadership role?
Jordan Payton: I think for me, it’s that I wasn’t a tech before. I didn’t feel adequate not having the knowledge of day-to-day operations like others. Having trustworthy peers remind me of my potential gave me the courage to apply for it.
Whether through challenge, opportunity, or walking the border of their comfort zone, these six leaders prove that their hard work and determination are an inspiration to all and their stories a roadmap to what we are capable of.
Pantex Proud: Kennedy Venneman
Safety Analyst Kennedy Venneman enjoys working alongside people committed to going the extra mile for Pantex’s mission and the safety of others.
“The work that we do at the plant is truly unmatched,” said Safety Analyst Kennedy Venneman. “We have incredible scientists, engineers, and technicians who have established the benchmark for excellence in our field. It's an honor to be part of it.”
In many ways, the newness of Pantex hasn’t worn off for Venneman, four years into her career. As she considered the work community, the site’s unique mission and camaraderie filled her with warmth and pride.
“Pantex often feels like its own world,” she said, “and I take great pride in being a part of that world. It is incredible to think that there are thousands of us, in the tiny Texas Panhandle, who show up physically and mentally every day — on the hard days, on the weekends, and even on the holidays — to support something bigger than ourselves. These are my people.”
In choosing Pantex as her people, Venneman departed from four generations of farming and ranching.
“Although I took a different career path, it has greatly shaped who I am today,” she said. “My parents are my biggest inspirations. They have always invested in me and whatever I set my mind to.”
That commitment to support and encouragement is an important facet of Venneman’s life and something she sees embodied in Pantex culture.
“I really enjoy getting to work alongside some of my favorite people,” she said. “It’s more than just colleagues; it’s a supportive community where we help each other reach our goals. These relationships make every day more fulfilling.”
Venneman values being more than colleagues with fellow Pantexans. The importance of both mission and safety reinforce to her the importance of working alongside people she can count on to always be at their best.
“Our group benefits from a diverse range of skill sets,” Venneman said. “Teamwork is integral to our group, as it allows us to collectively leverage our knowledge and different experiences to address new questions and emerging issues.
“Pride in your work reflects a personal commitment to excellence, and it is essential to keep this high standard and mindset alive.”
What is your top bucket list item, and why?
My top item right now would probably be custom-building a barndominium. Growing up, my mom and I would always watch home-renovation shows, and I’d love the opportunity to customize something of my own from the ground up.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Use your uncleared or training period to your advantage by making as many connections as you can. Don’t limit yourself to just your immediate team; network across various departments.
What has been your proudest moment at Pantex to date?
While not a personal achievement, the Pantex Wildfire Relief fundraiser in spring 2024 stands out as a ‘Pantex Proud’ moment for me. Having grown up in the Texas Panhandle, it’s incredibly rewarding to support our local communities whenever possible.
Pantex Proud: Summer Kelly
When Occupational Nursing Specialist Summer Kelly joined the Pantex team in October, she brought with her over two decades of healthcare experience and a deep commitment to service.
In the aftermath of 9/11, while communities grappled with loss and trauma, Kelly served by working at the Oklahoma Blood Institute. The healthcare community’s work during this time exemplified the true meaning of mission delivery and answering the call to serve without hesitation.
“I witnessed the raw emotion of society and the vast amount of people who lined up wanting to donate blood no matter how long the donation lines were.”
Nearly two decades later, she served as an emergency room and intensive care nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving vital support to her patients. As healthcare systems strained and the world faced unprecedented challenges, the healthcare teams were tasked with remaining calm and continuing to deliver care under extraordinary conditions.
“During that time, hospital personnel became the only family patients had due to the circumstances.”
Kelly’s dedication extends beyond her professional duties to community engagement. Her family has resided in White Deer for 20 years, during which she has also been involved with emergency medical services and employed by White Deer Independent School District.
Having worked on the front lines during two of the most defining public health crises of our time, she answered the call to serve with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Kelly’s dedication is evident in her journey to Pantex; she applied 36 times before securing her current role in the medical department. She values the camaraderie within her team and considers her acceptance into the department her proudest professional moment.
Why is Pantex’s mission important to you?
The Pantex mission is important to me because of the long history it has in regards to national security.
Why is teamwork important?
Being able to work as a team and collaborate betters a company as a whole and makes for an improved working environment. As a medical professional, being able to work as a team and delegate tasks results in the best outcome for the patient.
Do you volunteer or remain actively engaged in the community? How so?
I have been a part of the White Deer City Council since 2017. I was very honored to be voted into the council at the election in May. I take pride in being tasked with community concerns and helping address situations in the best interest of the people the committee represents.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
The advice I would give to an applicant or a new hire employee is be persistent, don’t give up, and accept any critiques and criticism as part of the stepping stones for your job and self-improvement.
Pantex Proud: Allie Bridenbaugh
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Allie Bridenbaugh work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who she is, what she does, and why she is proud to be a Pantexan.
What is the number of current Pantex employees? What is my organization’s attrition rate? How many Pantexans have master’s degrees? These are not questions on an episode of Pantex-themed Jeopardy. These are the questions that make up Allie Bridenbaugh’s day-to-day. As a Human Resources data analyst, she’s a professional metric-maker and spreadsheet wizard providing HR analytics and tools for organizations across the plant.
Providing answers to these seemingly simple questions is actually quite complicated, but Bridenbaugh enjoys the challenge.
“The everyday work here allows for a lot of knowledge to be gained,” she said. “It can be challenging at times, but overall, it is one of my favorite things about working at Pantex. When it comes to the work I do, I want people to trust that the information I give is accurate and complete.“
Bridenbaugh started out in Project Controls, where she gained her passion for data. That led her to pursue further education in information systems and business analytics, ultimately landing her the job in HR where she has worked for the past two years.
“I found that I really enjoyed visualizing data and understanding the underlying structure of the data to find innovative new solutions,” Bridenbaugh said. “My proudest moments happen when I realized I have gained mastery over something that had at one point felt hopeless. At Pantex, this has happened more times than I can count.”
While Bridenbaugh says “pride” isn’t something she strives for, she is proud to be a Pantexan because of the caliber of people at the site, citing both their goodness and resilience.
“When I say I am a Pantexan I am also saying I care, I work hard, and I am capable,” she said.
Why is it important we hold ourselves accountable in our daily tasks?
Accountability is really important to me. It helps establish trust with those around me, and it keeps me vigilant about the quality of my work. Knowing that my work is a reflection of me is a huge motivator.
Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
You don’t know what you don’t know, and that is especially true at Pantex. Everyone I have met here has had something to teach me, so I try to be a sponge when others talk.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity?
I used to take classes at a local gym called Flying Fitness where I participate in the aerial arts, but when I do it there is not much aerial or art involved. It is still very fun, though!