Deputy Energy Secretary, Daniel Poneman admitted there were multiple security lapses during the July breach at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee.In testimony Wednesday before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, he assured members that corrective measures are underway or have been taken to prevent future incidents. Officials say on July 28th three individuals including an 82 year old nun made it past four security fences and vandalized the building where nuclear material was held.
The complex is the nation's only source of enriched uranium nuclear weapons components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy. On July 28, 2012, three people entered the area surrounding the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility (HEUMF) at the Y-12 site and defaced the building.
Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel B. Poneman testified, along with: Thomas P. D'Agostino, National Nuclear Security Administration undersecretary of Energy for nuclear security and administrator; Glenn S. Podonsky, Department of Energy chief health, safety and security officer; Gregory H. Friedman, Department of Energy inspector general; and Mark E. Gaffigan, managing director of the Government Accountability Office Natural Resources and Environment Team.