Commander heading US nuclear forces sees no need for warhead tests
The Navy admiral tapped as the new head of U.S. nuclear forces on Thursday endorsed a finding by the Energy Department and Pentagon that the U.S. nuclear arsenal is safe and reliable and there is no need to conduct nuclear warhead tests.
Adm. Richard Correll’s comment comes as officials are assessing how to implement a directive issued in October by President Donald Trump to conduct nuclear weapons tests.
Correll, testifying at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on his confirmation as U.S. Strategic Command chief, was asked if he saw a military need for the U.S. to conduct nuclear warhead tests, the last of which took place in 1992.
Noting that the Energy Department and Pentagon annually certify the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, Correll expressed support for the most recent certification, which was issued for 2025-2026.
The departments “indicated we have the capabilities and sufficient testing to satisfy ourselves on the reliability and efficacy of our nuclear warheads,” said Correll. “But we monitor that very closely and I will continue to provide my best military advice.”
Adm. Richard Correll endorsed the finding that the U.S. nuclear arsenal is safe and reliable, stating there is no need for nuclear warhead tests. He testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, affirming that the Energy Department and Pentagon have certified the arsenal's reliability. Correll indicated that the last nuclear warhead test occurred in 1992 and expressed his commitment to providing military advice on the matter.
- Adm. Richard Correll is the new head of U.S. nuclear forces.
- The U.S. nuclear arsenal is certified as safe and reliable by the Energy Department and Pentagon.
- There is no current military need for nuclear warhead tests according to Correll.
- The last nuclear warhead test was conducted in 1992.
- Correll supports the certification for 2025-2026.