[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 1, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5312-S5313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING A1W TURNOVER AT IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, alongside my esteemed colleagues Senator 
Jim Risch and Representative  Mike Simpson, I rise today to honor the 
formal turnover of the Naval Reactors A1W Prototype from Naval Reactors 
Idaho Branch Office and Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC, to the U.S. 
Department of Energy Idaho Cleanup Project and Idaho Environmental 
Coalition. This momentous occasion marks the early completion of the 
turnover of the A1W Prototype, a defueled naval nuclear propulsion 
plant, which holds significant historical and strategic importance in 
the ongoing decommissioning efforts of this facility.
  The goal in this endeavor is clear: to remove the three prototypes, 
S1W, A1W and S5G, from the Naval Reactors Facility by 2030. This effort 
aligns perfectly with the program's unwavering commitment to managing 
radioactive and hazardous materials from cradle to grave, ensuring no 
adverse effects on the environment or public health. Decommissioning 
older, nonmission-critical facilities not only reduces workforce needs 
but also allows us to allocate resources more efficiently towards our 
core mission, while creating space for the workplace of the future.

[[Page S5313]]

  The significance of this turnover lies in the remarkable 
collaboration among various Agencies involved. Originally scheduled for 
2027, achieving this turnover 4 years ahead of schedule is a monumental 
achievement. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of hundreds 
of professionals from all four organizations involved. We express our 
deepest gratitude to the entire team whose exceptional teamwork has 
made this moment possible. Their remarkable efforts throughout this 
endeavor have been truly extraordinary.
  The A1W Prototype, born in 1956 and operational from October 1958 to 
January 1994, stands as a technological marvel. It represents a pivotal 
chapter in our Nation's scientific and engineering history. Over nearly 
four decades, this remarkable prototype played a critical role in 
training over 14,500 enlisted personnel, officers, and civilian 
operators. As the second prototype built, the A1W's contributions to 
science, technology, Cold War military applications, and the U.S. Naval 
Nuclear Propulsion Program have earned it the esteemed recognition as 
eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 
Moreover, the A1W Prototype paved the way for the construction and 
commissioning of the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, 
USS Enterprise, CVN-65, which utilized the A1W design. Enterprise's 51-
year journey serves as a testament to the dedication and strength of 
our naval forces, as it stood as a guardian of freedom, protector of 
our national interests and a symbol of American power worldwide.
  While there is still more work ahead, it is important that we take a 
moment to celebrate this milestone. It serves as a testament to the 
incredible results that can be achieved when people and organizations 
come together with a shared purpose. We extend our heartfelt gratitude 
to each person involved for their unwavering dedication and hard work. 
This turnover signifies a significant step toward ensuring that the 
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program continues to power maritime dominance 
for the Navy and our Nation well into the future. It also reaffirms our 
steadfast commitment to safeguarding our national defense, paying 
homage to our history, and preserving our national treasures.

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