Defense Programs Leadership

Robert L. Smolen
Deputy Administrator for NNSA's Office of Defense Programs

Robert (Bob) L. Smolen is the deputy administrator for NNSA's Office of Defense Programs. He directs the Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP), which is responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of the Nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. The NNSA's nuclear weapons complex includes three national research laboratories, the Nevada Test Site, and four production plants. This approximately $5.2 billion program, with over 25,000 people around the country, encompasses operations associated with manufacturing, maintaining, refurbishing, and dismantling the nuclear weapons stockpile. Defense Programs also provides oversight and direction of the research, development, and engineering support to maintain the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile in the absence of underground testing, and assures the capability for maintaining the readiness to test and develop new warheads, if required. read bio>

Brig Gen Jonathan D. George