[DNFSB
LETTERHEAD]
July 25, 2005
Admiral Kirkland H. Donald
Deputy Administrator for Naval
Reactors
National Nuclear Security
Administration
Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington Navy Yard
1240 Isaac Hull Avenue, SE, Stop
8010
Washington, DC 20376-8010
Dear Admiral Donald:
Thank you for your letter of
June 15, 2005, which provided the recent reports of Naval Reactors on
radiological waste disposal and environmental monitoring, occupational safety
and health, and occupational radiation exposure, as well as the annual overview
of the program. These reports cogently
demonstrate Naval Reactors’ enduring commitment to protecting the public,
workers, and the environment while providing for the defense of the nation.
I am pleased to note that the
Naval Reactors’ program, extending from headquarters to the prime contractors
and the construction and repair facilities, continues to exhibit extraordinary standards
in the performance of work. Naval
Reactors consistently maintains a model program for the design, construction,
operation, and decommissioning of nuclear-powered vessels, as well as the
technical research necessary to support advances in nuclear propulsion
technology. The Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board (Board) believes Naval Reactors exhibits the traits of
a high-reliability organization and considers it to be worthy of emulation by
others within the Department of Energy.
The Board congratulates you for
your sustained superior performance, and extends its best personal wishes to
you and your associates.
Sincerely,
A. J. Eggenberger
Chairman
c: The Honorable Samuel W. Bodman
The
Honorable Linton Brooks
The
Honorable John S. Shaw
The
Honorable David K. Garman
Mr.
Charles E. Anderson
Mr.
Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.