A senior U.S. Army official spoke positively about the Blue Grass plant during his visit June 29.

“It’s a success for our country,” said Doug Bush, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)), reaffirming the nation’s commitment to meeting the September 2023 deadline for destroying the last of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile. “It’s a great project and good for America. There is no substitute for seeing it in person, getting the scale and seeing the people involved.”

The visit, also attended by Kingston Reif, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control, and Michael Abaie, program executive officer, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, was Bush’s first trip to the plant. Project management briefed Bush on the transition to destroy M55 rockets containing GB nerve agent. Those rockets represent more than 50% of the original chemical weapons stockpile safely stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot.

As part of the four-hour visit, Bush observed rocket handling equipment and the Control Room in the main plant. During a walking tour, management personnel explained the Static Detonation Chamber 1200 and 2000 facilities. Bush also asked questions about the closure phase and plans for the plant once chemical weapons destruction is complete.

“I am thankful for the amazing work being done here,” Bush said. “It’s great to see it close to getting through the main mission.”

Bush was sworn in on Feb. 11, 2022, after spending almost a year as the acting ASA(ALT). According to the Army website, he advises the Secretary of the Army on acquisition programs and policy. He also serves as the Army acquisition executive, the senior procurement executive, the science advisor to the Secretary of the Army, and the Army’s senior research and development official.