A Japanese delegation recently visited the NNSS’ Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL) at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev., to learn about aerial measuring technology for their own use.
At the request of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)’s Office of Nuclear Incident Policy and Cooperation, the Aerial Measuring System (AMS) program out of RSL-Nellis hosted a workshop for the Japanese delegation. The delegation included individuals from the country’s Cabinet Office, Nuclear Regulation Authority, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, and the OYO Corporation. The goal of the workshop was to provide Japan with technical updates on AMS methodology and operational processes as they explore the possibility of creating a similar capability.
The three-day workshop started with a visit to RSL for a tour of the Consequence Management (CM), AMS and Aviation assets. In addition to several presentations by both the Japanese guests and RSL-Nellis staff, the delegation also had a unique opportunity to fly in an AMS helicopter so they could observe the AMS training methodology first-hand.
Both RSL-Nellis and the Japanese enjoyed the chance to share their experiences and learn more about their counterparts from another part of the world. The visit also enhanced the relationships previously forged during the 2011 Fukushima response, where AMS and CM assets provided crucial data to the Japanese during that time of crisis. NNSA and the NNSS expect to continue to strengthen their relationship with Japan and other countries through similar events.