OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE PROGRAMS
NUCLEAR MATTERS
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE PROGRAMS
To ensure the continued credibility, effectiveness, safety, and security of the U.S. deterrent in order to deter nuclear and non-nuclear attack; assure U.S. allies and partners; achieve U.S. objectives if deterrence fails; and hedge against an uncertain future.
Nuclear Matters is the DoD focal point for the modernization and sustainment of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, as well as for a wide range of nuclear counterterrorism and counterproliferation issues. Nuclear Matters is responsible for leading and integrating interagency efforts to ensure the continued credibility of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
"The number one priority of the Department of Defense is that we maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent so we make certain those weapons are never used."
Former Secretary of Defense Mattis, August 2017
Senior Staff
Mr. Peter Fanta assumed the duties of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters in February of 2018.
A member of the Senior Executive Service, his responsibilities include: nuclear enterprise governance; all aspects of nuclear weapons acquisition, modernization, surety, survivability, reliability, security, safety, weapons management, weapon integration, nuclear incident response; and coordination of all activities relating to the nuclear weapons stockpile. Included in these responsibilities are countering nuclear threats and international nuclear agreements.
Mr. Fanta's career includes over 37 years on active duty as a naval officer to include multiple command tours of operational sea and land forces, as well as staff tours on the Navy and Joint Chiefs Staffs. His operational experience has included every world region with the exception of the Antarctic. Senior operational tours have included command of Navy and Marine forces in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Middle East. His senior staff tours have included Director of Warfare Integration, Director of Surface Warfare, and Deputy Director for Resources and Acquisition for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His operational and staff experience has included tours in nuclear weapons operations, security, resourcing, support and sustainment, as well as nuclear enterprise oversight. He retired from the U.S. Naval Service as a Flag Officer.
A native of Manitowoc, Wisconsin he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, earned an M.P.A. from Harvard University as the Moreau Scholar, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medals, Legions of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, and various other awards and unit commendations.
Office Overview
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs/Nuclear Matters (OASD(NCB/NM)) is the focal point of the Department of Defense for the U.S. nuclear deterrent. In this capacity, Nuclear Matters is the primary DoD point of contact for Congress, the interagency, and the public and for allies and foreign partners on issues related to the U.S. nuclear stockpile and the integration and alignment of U.S. nuclear weapons and weapons systems. To perform these functions, Nuclear Matters is comprised of representatives from all areas of the nuclear community, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, Department of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Nuclear Matters has a professional staff of subject matter experts in areas related to nuclear weapons stockpile management, security and incident response, nuclear safety and physical security, and working with allies and international organizations on issues related to the nuclear deterrent. The DASD for Nuclear Matters is a career civilian Senior Executive Service official.
Nuclear Matters has responsibilities in each of the following mission areas: nuclear safety, physical security and control; nuclear weapon incident and accident response; nuclear deterrent enterprise review; nuclear assessments; and nuclear threat prevention, protection, and response. As part of these responsibilities, the Nuclear Matters office provides support to management and oversight groups responsible for each of these mission areas including the joint DoD/DOE Nuclear Weapons Council, chaired by the Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Nuclear Deterrent Enterprise Review Group, chaired by the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Nuclear Matters Additionally, the office contributes to other nuclear-related responsibilities within the DoD, to including the development of congressional testimony, providing advice on arms control and treaty issues, and participating in budgeting and planning activities related to the nuclear deterrent.
NUCLEAR CHRONOLOGY
