The United States Navy Nuclear Propulsion community consists of Naval Officers and Enlisted members who are specially trained to run and maintain the nuclear reactors that power the submarines and aircraft carriers of the United States Navy.
Operating more than 80 nuclear-powered ships, the United States Navy is currently the largest naval force in the world.
The development of the nuclear-powered submarine greatly increased capabilities; the duration a sub could remain underwater was now limited only by food supply.
The Skipjack was designed with a more advanced teardrop hull that provided greater hydrodynamics, which allowed the submarines to achieve higher speeds while producing less noise.
Today, the United States Navy operates four different classes of submarine: the Los Angeles, Ohio, Seawolf and Virginia-classes.
As of 2003[update], and since the first U.S. nuclear-powered submarine (USS Nautilus), the United States Navy had logged over 6,200 "reactor years" with no radiological accidents.
[3][needs update] However, on 22 May 1978 on USS Puffer, a valve was mistakenly opened releasing up to 100 U.S. gallons of radioactive water into a drydock at Puget Sound naval base.
Because of the rigorous training that Navy Nuclear Officers undergo, only a select group of individuals are given the opportunity to lead a crew and command this technologically advanced equipment.
Careers as an Officer in Navy Nuclear Propulsion include: They oversee the day-to-day operations on board a submarine.
Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers oversee the day-to-day operations of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and conventional war ships, managing everything from communications and navigation to armament capabilities and tactical deployment.
Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers are in charge of numerous shipboard operations and activities, from the engineering plant to the bridge.
[5] For current undergraduate students who meet the high academic standards and prerequisite background, especially those pursuing majors such as mathematics, engineering, physics or chemistry, the NUPOC program provides money to eligible candidates to complete their undergraduate or graduate degree as well as a regular monthly income while in school.
As such, time spent completing a degree accrues for purposes of Naval Retirement and VA benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Candidates must: Education: Candidates must be graduates or students of an accredited college or university in the United States or a United States territory holding or pursuing a BA, BS or MS (preferably majoring in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry or another technical area) and must have: Members of the Navy Nuclear community operate, control and maintain the components that power Navy aircraft carriers and submarines.
Machinist's Mates (MM) operate and maintain steam turbines and reduction gears used for ship propulsion and auxiliary machinery such as turbogenerators, pumps and oil purifiers.
The duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment.