WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has achieved a significant milestone in disarmament efforts, successfully completing the destruction of its outdated chemical weapons stockpile. This achievement fulfills the U.S. commitment to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Dr. William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, emphasized the importance of eliminating the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction, stating, “We have a national security imperative and moral obligation to work toward eliminating the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction. This is the first time an international body has verified the destruction of an entire category of declared weapons of mass destruction — reinforcing the United States’ commitment to creating a world free of chemical weapons.”
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth expressed pride in the success of the U.S. chemical demilitarization program, stating, “This is a momentous day for the U.S. chemical demilitarization program. After years of design, construction, testing, and operations, these obsolete weapons have been safely eliminated. The Army is proud to have played a key role in making this demilitarization possible.”
Hon. Deborah G. Rosenblum, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, lauded the leadership and workforce for their extraordinary efforts in achieving this milestone, stating, “I applaud the successful efforts of the leadership and workforce on achieving this extraordinary milestone. The level of determination and resolve to overcome challenges has been nothing short of outstanding. This achievement demonstrates our credibility to the international community and has helped move the U.S. government toward closing this particular chapter of U.S. military history.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also stressed the importance of safety during the next phase of the program. As the facilities enter a closure phase for the next three to four years, the CDC reaffirmed that ensuring the safety of the workforce, the public, and the environment remains a top priority.