A senior-level Department of Defense official visited the Blue Grass plant to learn more about the plant’s operations and capabilities on Oct. 12.

“I’m incredibly impressed with the teamwork and dedication to the mission,” said Deborah G. Rosenblum, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs. “It is a top priority for the U.S. to meet its treaty obligation of September 2023…. I know there are challenges, but I have confidence in this great team of 1,400 employees and their ability to solve problems creatively.”

Project management briefed Rosenblum on plant safety and operations, then provided her a tour of the main plant Control Room and footprint. She also observed the progress being made at the Static Detonation Chamber 1200 and 2000 sites.

“I am here to learn,” Rosenblum said. Rosenblum is responsible for keeping the U.S. administration informed on the progress of chemical weapons destruction at the two remaining sites located in Richmond, Kentucky, and Pueblo, Colorado.

Rosenblum also praised plant workers for continuing to safely destroy munitions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I applaud everyone for doing so well over the past two years,” she said.