[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]

July 11, 2002

Admiral Frank L. Bowman (USN)
Deputy Administrator of Naval Reactors
National Nuclear Security Administration
Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington Navy Yard
1240 Isaac Hall Avenue, SE, Stop 8010
Washington, D. C. 20376-8010

Dear Admiral Bowman:

Thank you for your June 18, 2002, letter, and for sending me a copy of your recent reports on radiological waste disposal and environmental monitoring, occupational safety and health, and occupational radiation exposure. The detailed information contained in these reports clearly demonstrates the high degree of commitment to protection of the public, workers, and the environment in the Naval Reactors program.

It is a pleasure to note that Naval Reactors program personnel continue to exhibit extraordinary standards in the performance of their work. As the Office of Management and Budget recently noted, "In 2003, the Naval Reactors program will add to its record of 124 million miles steamed without a reactor accident or a significant release of radioactivity into the environment." We at the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) would like to add that you have done so while maintaining the radiological exposure of personnel associated with your program--including those from the Department of Energy (DOE), the contractors, and the Navy--significantly lower than in the DOE program as a whole.

Throughout the years, Naval Reactors has maintained a model program for the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear-powered vessels. As noted by the General Accounting Office in their December 2001 report, NNSA Management: Progress in the Implementation of Title 32, many lessons may indeed be learned by studying Naval Reactor's "focused mission, strong leadership, clear lines of authority, long-serving employees, and a strong set of internal controls, as well as a culture that enhances accountability."

The Board congratulates you for sustained superior performance. We extend our best personal wishes to you and your associates.

Sincerely,

John T. Conway
Chairman

c: The Honorable Spencer Abraham