In anticipation of the potential spread of conspiracy theories, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has alerted the public to its plans to fly DOE helicopters over the Las Vegas Strip, as it plans to search for nuclear radiation leading up to this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration.
Part of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA’s) Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST), the Aerial Measuring System (AMS) will monitor the strip and surrounding areas for signs of background radiation that could point to a potential threat to the over 400,000 visitors expected to crowd the street during the annual holiday gathering.
“NNSA is making the public aware of the upcoming flights so citizens who see the low-flying aircraft are not alarmed,” the agency explained in June.
DOE Helicopters Create Radiation Map to Spot Anomalies
In a statement detailing the operation, the agency said that the flights, which began on Monday, will continue through Wednesday night’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. During each flight, the agency’s equipment-packed helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft fly directly over the 4.2-mile-long stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, often referred to as “The Strip.”
“The public may see a Leonardo AW-139 helicopter, which is equipped with radiation-sensing technology,” the agency previously explained, adding that the helicopter will fly at “relatively low levels.”
During the Wednesday evening New Year’s Eve event known as “America’s Party,” Las Vegas authorities will close down The Strip to all vehicle traffic. At its peak, authorities will be responsible for the safety of hundreds of thousands of people as they watch an eight-minute-long firework show and an extended LED drone show.
According to the agency’s website, the DOE helicopters fly in a grid-like pattern at low altitudes of 150 to 300 feet and at an average speed of 80 miles per hour. The agency also noted that all flights of the DOE helicopters are conducted during daylight hours “to identify any unexpected radiation sources that might pose a threat during the event.”
Over the three days, the agency said the flights will measure “naturally occurring background radiation” across the entire valley as part of standard public health and safety preparations for such a heavily attended event.
“The recently acquired AW139s offer an opportunity to create a more detailed baseline map that will strengthen public health and safety, and the data collected will allow AMS to create a comprehensive radiological map of the Las Vegas valley,” they explained.
What Happens if Dangerous Radiation Levels Are Detected?
If the helicopter’s ultra-sensitive scanners detect radiation above naturally occurring levels, the agency said its platform is ideally equipped to act.
“Following a release of radioactive material, AMS can provide the fastest and most complete picture of radiological conditions that may impact public safety and the environment,” they explained.
The agency which is an element of the USA’s nuclear and radiological emergency response capability, also noted that the data their helicopters can gather on site in real time, is often the “first scientifically defensible and actionable product” that federal, state, and local officials can use when making decisions about responses, such as shelter-in-place orders, first-responder deployment, and potential evacuations.
“AMS aircraft are outfitted with state-of-the-art communications and radiation detection systems,” they explained. “These capabilities ensure that AMS science teams on board can communicate in real time with experts at the National Laboratories and support rapid protective action decisions.”
Similar Flights Will Patrol the Super Bowl
While DOE helicopters flying over the Las Vegas Strip could cause fear or confusion, the nuclear detection team has previously flown over other well-attended events, including marathons and small conventions.
“AMS pilots and scientists fly frequently for training and to maintain proficiency; collecting real-world background information adds even more value to the flights,” explained Mike Toland, an AMS pilot and aviation manager.
The AWS team made similar Las Vegas-area flights last month during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which drew between 300,000 and 430,000 people.
“As part of its dual public safety and national security mission, AMS frequently supports Preventive Nuclear and Radiological Detection operations in preparation for high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, the national political party conventions, and the Presidential inauguration,” the agency’s site explains.
Similar flights are also planned for the days leading up to Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California.
Christopher Plain is a Science Fiction and Fantasy novelist and Head Science Writer at The Debrief. Follow and connect with him on X, learn about his books at plainfiction.com, or email him directly at christopher@thedebrief.org.