“Keep doing what you’re doing,” said one spectator to the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS) employees at the AirVenture 2024 aviation event.
Organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the week-long event is held annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and features a wide assortment of aircraft, ranging from vintage planes to warbirds to up-and-coming experimental designs. The world’s largest aviation event, EAA AirVenture attracts enthusiasts, pilots, and industry professionals from around the globe. Attendees enjoy airshows, workshops, forums, and exhibits showcasing the latest advancements in aviation.
“Educating the public about our work is crucial because it fosters understanding and trust in the measures we take to protect them,” said NNSS Aviation Manager Mike Toland. “With more than 600,000 attendees at this year’s AirVenture, we were able to assure the community that their safety is our top priority and we are prepared to respond to any radiological threat scenario.”
NNSS personnel were representing the Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST), the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)’s multi-mission nuclear emergency response capability. NEST is the umbrella designation that encompasses all Department of Energy/NNSA radiological and nuclear emergency response functions, including the Aerial Measuring System (AMS).
AMS is a rapidly deployable capability designed to address nuclear incidents and accidents both within the United States and internationally. It includes a fleet of aircraft equipped with advanced radiation detection systems to provide real-time air and ground radiation measurements. The AMS fleet of three Beechcraft BN-350 Extended Range fixed-wing aircraft and two Bell 412 rotary-wing aircraft (set to be replaced by two AgustaWestland 139s) stands ready to deploy at a moment’s notice from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. AMS scientists, technical staff, and pilots are on standby 24/7, ready to respond to nuclear incidents and accidents year-round.
“This was our second year attending AirVenture,” said Toland. “We plan to continue having a presence each year, building on the previous year. Next year, our plan is to have at least one of our aircraft on display for attendees. We will continue to have our informational booth to share our mission, spread awareness and recruit potential candidates.”
Mark your calendar for AirVenture 2025, taking place July 21-25, 2025.