WASHINGTON – A Navy admiral selected to oversee America’s nuclear weapons program told lawmakers Thursday that the country’s atomic arsenal remains secure and effective without requiring new explosive tests.
During Senate Armed Services Committee testimony regarding his nomination to lead U.S. Strategic Command, Admiral Richard Correll backed recent government evaluations concluding that nuclear testing is unnecessary. This statement comes while officials review implementation of President Donald Trump’s October directive regarding nuclear weapons testing.
When senators questioned whether military requirements exist for resuming nuclear warhead testing – which the United States last conducted in 1992 – Correll referenced annual safety assessments performed jointly by the Energy Department and Pentagon.
The admiral voiced confidence in the latest certification covering 2025-2026, stating that both agencies have “indicated we have the capabilities and sufficient testing to satisfy ourselves on the reliability and efficacy of our nuclear warheads.” He added, “But we monitor that very closely and I will continue to provide my best military advice.”
Correll’s remarks support the ongoing practice of using computer simulations and laboratory analysis rather than live detonations to verify weapons functionality and safety standards.
