NS&D Monitor
4/10/2015
IN CONGRESS
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann has been named the vice chairman of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, giving the Tennessee Republican more clout on the powerful panel. Fleischmann’s district includes the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other Oak Ridge Department of Energy facilities, and he’s been on the subcommittee since 2013. “The Vice Chairs for the Appropriations Committee have distinguished themselves as knowledgeable on the appropriations process and are committed to responsible budgeting,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) said. “These Members will play an integral role in bringing each of the 12 Appropriations bills from Subcommittee to the House floor, and I know that they will live up to the demands of the job over what I expect will be a tough but successful appropriations year.”
IN THE INDUSTRY
Babcock & Wilcox has named Jim Bittner the General Manager of its Barberton facility, according to an April 8 press release. Bittner’s 26-year career includes working as Manufacturing Engineer, Engineering & Technical Services Manager, and, for the last nine years, Department Manager of Operations & Welding Engineering. He is replacing Reese Foote, who is retiring after 42 years of service at B&W. “We are fortunate to have someone of Jim’s experience who can assume the leadership role of this very important facility following Reese’s departure. Jim is the ideal person to be leading the 700 dedicated professionals we have working to support national security at our Barberton facility,” B&W Nuclear Operations Group Chief Operating Officer Joe Henry said in a statement. The Barberton site manufactures heavy components for naval nuclear reactor plants used in submarines and aircraft carriers.
IN THE AIR FORCE
After months of planning, airmen from Malmstrom AFB and Vandenberg AFB’s 576th Flight Test Squadron conducted a simulated Minuteman 3 launch near Malmstrom on April 7, according to an Air Force press release. The Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test was the second part of a complete weapon system evaluation wherein an unarmed Minuteman 3 was launched from Vandenberg AFB and splashed down into a predetermined area in the Pacific Ocean near Guam. "A great deal of teamwork, professionalism and expertise in each team member’s area is critical to a successful test," said Lt. Col. Scott Fleming, 490th Missile Squadron assistant director of operations….There are a lot of moving parts to bring this test together.”
