NNSA Chief Visits LLNL, Highlights Stockpile, AI, and Deterrence

Williams tours facilities, discusses modernization and emerging technologies with Lab leadership.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Brandon Williams visited Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) on February 9th to receive briefings and tours focused on stockpile modernization, AI, supercomputing, and the future of deterrence. During the visit, Williams met with LLNL leadership, technical staff, and NNSA's Livermore Field Office officials to learn more about the Laboratory's mission contributions.

Why it matters

As the head of the NNSA, Williams' visit to LLNL underscores the critical role the national laboratory plays in the nuclear security mission. LLNL's work in areas like stockpile modernization, advanced manufacturing, and high-performance computing are essential to maintaining a modern and effective nuclear deterrent.

The details

During the visit, Williams toured LLNL's Polymer Enclave, a cutting-edge manufacturing facility that integrates AI, digital twins, and other advanced technologies to accelerate component development. He also received briefings on the Lab's high-performance computing, AI, and support for the DOE-led Genesis Mission. Williams emphasized the growing importance of the NNSA national laboratories in an increasingly complex global security environment and highlighted the vital role of LLNL's scientists and engineers.

  • Williams visited LLNL on February 9, 2026.
  • The visit began with a welcome from LLNL Director Kim Budil and senior leadership, followed by an overview of the Lab's mission portfolio.

The players

Brandon Williams

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Kim Budil

Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

Rob Neely

Weapon Simulation and Computing Associate Director at LLNL.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)

A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Livermore, California, that conducts research and development in national security, energy, and the environment.

National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

A semi-autonomous agency within the United States Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing the work underway at LLNL reinforces how central this Laboratory is to the nuclear security mission. LLNL's scientists and engineers are tackling some of the most complex national security challenges we face, with rigor, creativity and a deep sense of responsibility.”

— Brandon Williams, NNSA Administrator (Mirage News)

“It's not clear what the future holds, but our nuclear weapons enterprise is as important as it's ever been in its history. There is a tremendous need at the highest levels of our government to appreciate what you do, the problems you solve and the mission you've set your lives to fulfill. My job is to represent those equities and that work to the nation's leadership at a profoundly important moment.”

— Brandon Williams, NNSA Administrator (Mirage News)

“I've not seen as much of the future all in one place as I've seen here today. This is exactly the kind of work the nuclear security enterprise will depend on going forward.”

— Brandon Williams, NNSA Administrator (Mirage News)

“We were honored to welcome Administrator Williams to LLNL and to share how our people and capabilities are delivering for the nation. From stockpile modernization to exascale computing and advanced manufacturing, this work reflects the breadth of our mission and the importance of getting it right.”

— Kim Budil, LLNL Director (Mirage News)

What’s next

The NNSA and LLNL will continue to collaborate on critical national security initiatives, including further advancements in stockpile modernization, AI-enabled manufacturing, and high-performance computing to support the future nuclear deterrent.

The takeaway

LLNL's cutting-edge work in areas like advanced manufacturing, high-performance computing, and AI is essential to maintaining a modern and effective nuclear deterrent, underscoring the vital role the national laboratory plays in the NNSA's mission to enhance national security.