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Orangeville Today
By the People, for the People
Department of War Transports Next-Generation Nuclear Reactor
The reactor will be tested at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab to assess how advanced nuclear systems could support military installations and remote defense operations.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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The Department of War has transported a next-generation nuclear reactor from California to Utah, a key step in advancing President Donald Trump's executive order to modernize America's nuclear energy infrastructure and strengthen U.S. national security. The reactor was flown from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah and will be transported to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Orangeville for testing and evaluation.
Why it matters
This nuclear energy milestone is part of a broader administration push to reinforce domestic energy production and grid reliability across multiple sectors. The successful delivery and installation of the reactor will open new possibilities for energy resilience and strategic independence for the nation's defense.
The details
The Department of War shared images on X showing the reactor loaded onto a C-17 aircraft. Officials described this as an agile, innovative and commercial-first approach to addressing critical infrastructure challenges. By harnessing the power of advanced nuclear technology, the agency said they are enhancing national security and championing a future of American energy dominance.
- On Sunday, the Department of War transported the next-generation nuclear reactor from California to Utah.
- The reactor will be transported to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Orangeville for testing and evaluation.
The players
Department of War
The U.S. government agency responsible for national defense and military operations.
President Donald Trump
The former President of the United States who signed executive orders aimed at expanding domestic nuclear energy development.
Utah San Rafael Energy Lab
A research facility in Orangeville, Utah where the next-generation nuclear reactor will be tested and evaluated.
What’s next
The successful delivery and installation of the reactor at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab will be a key step in assessing how advanced nuclear systems could support military installations and remote defense operations.
The takeaway
This nuclear energy milestone demonstrates the administration's commitment to modernizing America's nuclear infrastructure and strengthening U.S. national security through the development of advanced nuclear technologies. The successful transport and testing of this next-generation reactor could pave the way for greater energy resilience and strategic independence for the nation's defense.
