Navy Nukes and the Navy Nuclear Program

U.S. Navy Nuke School

They come with IQs off the charts and ASVAB scores that number higher than their life expectancy, but that's what a 22-year-old needs to succeed when he's asked to run a nuclear power plant on a U.S. Navy warship

Gibberish. To the average "idiot," this talk is nothing more than gibberish: "Twenty k is 2R and 20k in parallel with 20k is 10k," says the man in a white lab coat, scribbling on a chalkboard as fast as he talks. Twenty-five students look on, seemingly absorbed. "To determine the voltage out we consider that the step is Vin over 3R, times one half to the N, times feedback resistance. N is equal to the number of nodes slash digits; therefore, the Vstep is equal to (Vin/3R)(1/2)n(RFB). Based on that, who knows what the step voltage is?"

A dozen hands go up. For these young men and women - students at the Naval Nuclear Power Command, Charleston, S.C. - the gibberish is decipherable; for them, digital to analog conversion is easy. They could do it in their sleep.

But we digress. Two months earlier most of these dungaree-clad students were in high school. Many of them got satisfaction from $15 lawn mowing jobs or quarter tips on a newspaper delivery route. But now, as they scribe notes on atomic and nuclear physics, it's clear they're preparing for something monumental: an education that will teach them how to run a nuclear power plant aboard a U.S. Navy submarine or aircraft carrier.

This is a great article about the Navy Nuclear Program and Navy Nukes. You can read the rest of it here: US Navy Nuke School

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The Nuclear Power Program allows those who qualify to gain a solid understanding of science and technology as well as the ability and confidence to operate advanced nuclear propulsion plants around the world. Only the most qualified candidates are selected. Basic qualifications for the Navy Nuclear Power Program include the following:

U.S. citizenship;
High school diploma or college degree;
Successful completion of one year of high school or college algebra;
Good academic performance at school;
Qualifying scores on Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and an advanced placement test if necessary;
No older than 24 years on date of enlistment;
Meet physical standards;
Sound moral character.

Source: United States Navy

Enlistment at Paygrade E-3
Recruit Training, Great Lakes, IL
2 months

"A" School, Charleston, SC

Electronics Technician (ET) - 6 months
Electrician's Mate (EM) - 6 months
Machinist's Mate (MM) - 3 months

Advancement to Paygrade E-4

Nuclear Power School, Charleston, SC - 6 months

Math Review
Math (Algebra, Trig, Etc.)
Thermodynamics
Reactor Technology
Radiological Fundamentals
Intro to Physics
Nuclear Physics
Metallurgy
Reactor Operations
Rate Instruction

Nuclear Prototype School,
Ballston Spa, NY or
Charleston, SC - 6 months

Nuclear Propulsion Systems
Nuclear Plant Operations
Qualifications

From Prototype some MMs will go to Engineering Lab Tech School or Nuclear Welder's School Program

From Prototype some will go to NROTC, Naval Academy or BOOST Program and then into the Officer Training Pipeline

The rest will go to a Nuclear Carrier or Submarine. They are assigned to the Engineering Department of a Nuclear Powered Carrier/Submarine for Nuclear Operations Advanced Qualifications and Training.

After 21 months of service and completion of training they are eligible for re-enlistment and up to a $60,000 bonus.
Meritorious advancement to E-5

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A nuclear-powered Ohio-class Trident ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) (also known as a "Boomer") is one of the most modern and complex ships in the Navy. The largest of the submarine fleet, the SSBN has a crew of 15 officers and 148 enlisted men.

Each Trident sub has 14 nine-man, U-shaped bunkrooms, serving as the crew's main living and sleeping areas.

A closed-circuit television system shows prerecorded network programming, sports, and movies. The library can accommodate about eight people. The lounge is big enough for 15 crewmen. Physical fitness is still a priority and hydraulic weight equipment, pulleys, treadmills, rowing machines and stationary bikes are available. Excellent meals are served in a spacious dining facility.
Source: Government publication

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Attack submarines are smaller, but faster and more operationally flexible than the ballistic missile submarines. The stealth and versatility of attack submarines provide an opportunity to be involved in exciting military operations.

If you see an aircraft carrier group sent by the President to a hot spot around the globe, chances are a submarine is already there.

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Are you wondering what your son or daughter is in for now that they have joined the navy? Do you have questions about where they'll be going next, what you can send them, or what they can take with them? Maybe you are a long term Navy Mom and can answer these questions. There is a group for every type of Navy Mom that you can think of from submarine moms, frigate moms, aircraft carrier moms, and moms from every state. Check out Navy for Moms for information and support.
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