The United States has made history by conducting its first-ever airborne transport of a mini nuclear reactor, flying it from California to Utah as a demonstration of the quick deployment capabilities of nuclear energy. The operation was a collaborative effort between the US Departments of Energy and Defense, alongside California-based Valar Atomic, which provided a 'Watt' mini reactor for the mission. The transfer occurred aboard a C-17 cargo aircraft and was executed without any nuclear fuel on board, ensuring safety during the transit to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

Accompanying the reactor were key officials including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Pentagon's procurement and sustainability chief Michael Davy. Both praised the operation as a significant achievement, underscoring the leap toward incorporating nuclear energy in logistical operations. Davy emphasized that this initiative brings the U.S. closer to deploying nuclear energy in strategic areas, which he argues is crucial for equipping American troops with necessary resources to succeed in combat.

The Trump administration views the deployment of small nuclear reactors as a multi-faceted strategy to expand domestic energy production. In May, President Trump issued four executive orders aimed at bolstering the domestic nuclear energy sector to meet growing energy demands in the face of challenges from other energy sources. This approach reflects a broader goal of increasing resilience and innovation in the nation’s energy infrastructure, potentially reshaping energy strategies both for military applications and civilian needs.