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Missing Keys At U.S. Nuke Labs
CBSNews.com through Drudge ^ | January 1, 2004 | compilation

Posted on 01/02/2004 7:21:35 AM PST by kimmie7

The Energy Department is conducting a widespread review of security at America's nuclear weapons laboratories after reports of hundreds of missing keys, some of which could allow access to sensitive areas.

Sources tell CBS News that lock and key experts will begin visiting all U.S. nuclear labs next month to assess the problem of missing keys and apparent security lapses, reports CBS News Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson.

The review follows reports last summer that Oak Ridge National Laboratory had reported "a number" of keys missing.

In fact, 200 keys were missing.

Oak Ridge, located in Tennessee, was part of the Manhattan Project where uranium was processed for the first atomic bomb. Also known by its World War II code name "Y-12", it's considered the Fort Knox of highly enriched uranium — the kind terrorists could use for a devastating bomb.

Some of the missing keys, according to one source, "provide possible access to sensitive areas" at Oak Ridge.

(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...


TOPICS: Breaking News; Government; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: nuclearweapons; securitybreach; terrorthreat
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1 posted on 01/02/2004 7:21:36 AM PST by kimmie7
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To: kimmie7
I did a search on this before posting, and couldn't find this exact article so I went for it. Hope it's not a duplicate.
2 posted on 01/02/2004 7:22:26 AM PST by kimmie7 (I need more time, more coffee, and more bandwidth!)
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To: kimmie7

Found him!
3 posted on 01/02/2004 7:24:14 AM PST by Andy from Beaverton (I only vote Republican to stop the Democrats)
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To: kimmie7
Atleast 6 master keys at Livermore too.

Having worked in National Labs I see more incompetence than danger here.
4 posted on 01/02/2004 7:24:37 AM PST by Tijeras_Slim (Death before dhimmi.)
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Comment #5 Removed by Moderator

To: kimmie7
So I guess they'll have to change some locks.
6 posted on 01/02/2004 7:27:49 AM PST by numberonepal
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To: kimmie7
Keys and locks only keep out honest persons. Why haven't they gone to eye ID or something?
7 posted on 01/02/2004 7:30:20 AM PST by mtbopfuyn
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To: Tijeras_Slim
In my experience, when God gave some people extreme intelligence, he took away their ability to walk and chew gum at the same time.
8 posted on 01/02/2004 7:34:25 AM PST by Trust but Verify (Will work for W)
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To: kimmie7
lock and key experts

Is this the dumbed-down way of saying locksmiths?

9 posted on 01/02/2004 7:38:06 AM PST by LikeLight ( ___________________________________ it's a line)
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To: LikeLight; All
the Energy Department is launching a "lock and key inventory"

That's what got me. They're actually admitting there wasn't an inventory to begin with?!?! Geez, talk about incompetence.

10 posted on 01/02/2004 7:44:21 AM PST by kimmie7 (I need more time, more coffee, and more bandwidth!)
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To: kimmie7; NotJustAnotherPrettyFace
Unbelievable! I can't imagine that they don't some sort of computerized key/badge entrace setup as most workplaces are going toward now!
11 posted on 01/02/2004 7:48:15 AM PST by Lady Composer
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To: Tijeras_Slim
I would argue that incompetence = danger.
12 posted on 01/02/2004 7:50:44 AM PST by ItisaReligionofPeace (I'm from the government and I'm here to help.)
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To: kimmie7
I just can't imagine there not being a keymaster, and a person who looks over his shoulder....and one over his shoulder and so on..
13 posted on 01/02/2004 7:50:46 AM PST by Freedom2specul8 (Please pray for our troops.... http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/)
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To: mtbopfuyn
They still don't take security seriously. :(
14 posted on 01/02/2004 7:52:10 AM PST by Libertina (If it moves, tax it. If it doesn't move it's a sitting duck - tax it TWICE!)
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To: kimmie7
The keys are right there, behind the copier.
15 posted on 01/02/2004 7:56:07 AM PST by carenot (Proud member of The Flying Skillet Brigade)
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To: ItisaReligionofPeace
In some instances I would agree. But in the areas I have worked where materials and facilities are present that would be tempting to a terrorist, there are other physical security controls, etc... that would preclude a successful theft/attack.
16 posted on 01/02/2004 7:58:10 AM PST by Tijeras_Slim (Death before dhimmi.)
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To: kimmie7
"The review follows reports last summer that Oak Ridge National Laboratory had reported "a number" of keys missing.

I would say they are a little late looking into the stolen keys matter.

17 posted on 01/02/2004 7:58:50 AM PST by Spunky (This little tag just keeps following me where ever I go.)
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To: Spunky
RE: I would say they are a little late looking into the stolen keys matter.

You're right on the money there!
18 posted on 01/02/2004 8:12:02 AM PST by Lady Composer
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To: kimmie7
This is serious. I know because my wife looses her keys at least once a day.

ooops. serious = series
19 posted on 01/02/2004 8:18:41 AM PST by showme_the_Glory (No more rhyming, and I mean it! ..Anybody got a peanut.....)
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To: seamole
When it comes to Nuclear Surety, the civilian lab geeks sure suck. They have proven time and time again they cannot handle the security responsiblity, which should be handed over to grownups like the military. Then when these silly geeks break security, they get to eat some concrete when the get jacked up.
20 posted on 01/02/2004 8:22:19 AM PST by demlosers (Light weight and flexible - radiation shielding is solved.)
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