Nevada Test Site north of Las Vegas gets new name: Nevada National Security Site, or N2S2

LAS VEGAS – The Nevada Test Site, epicenter of the nuclear age for decades, now has a new name to reflect the diversity of activities at the desert expanse north of Las Vegas.

National Nuclear Security Administration spokeswoman said Monday that it will now be called the Nevada National Security Site, or N2S2. Wagner says there are a broad range of national security activities at the Nye County site some 65 miles from Las Vegas.

Formerly known as the Nevada Proving Grounds, the 1,450-square-mile Nevada Test Site was established in January 1951 for the testing of nuclear devices.

The National Nuclear Security Administration says the capabilities and remote location of the Nevada site will support the nation's nuclear, energy and environmental security efforts.