Nuclear Emergency Support Team marks 50 years of readiness for nuclear incidents in the US

npr.org October 29, 2024, 11:01 AM UTC

The Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at Joint Base Andrews. This secretive group, made up of government scientists and law enforcement, is prepared to respond to nuclear incidents anywhere in the U.S. at any time. NEST was formed in 1974 after a bomb threat in Boston highlighted the need for a dedicated response team. Since then, it has responded to various nuclear incidents, including the Three Mile Island accident and the Fukushima disaster. NEST also monitors large public events for potential nuclear threats. This year, they flew over events like the Super Bowl and the Boston Marathon. They respond to both planned and unexpected incidents involving nuclear materials, ensuring public safety.


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