Office of Naval Reactors
Office of Naval Reactors (NR) administers the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the United States Navy's nuclear reactors, from design and construction to eventual disposal. NR is known for its stringent safety standards and has a history of groundbreaking contributions to nuclear technology.
Mission
The mission of the Office of Naval Reactors is to provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensure their safe, reliable, and long-lived operation. This involves research, development, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposal of naval nuclear propulsion plants.
Parent organization
NR is a joint program of the U.S. Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy, specifically under the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
Legislation
The operations of the Office of Naval Reactors are authorized by Executive Order 12344, signed by President Ronald Reagan, and codified by subsequent public laws, including 50 U.S.C. § 2406 and 42 U.S.C. § 7158[1].
Number of employees
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, NR employs a significant number of engineers, scientists, and support staff across its various facilities and offices.
Organization structure
- **Naval Reactors Headquarters** directs all aspects of the program, including policy, research, and operational support.
- **Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory** in Pennsylvania focuses on reactor design and development.
- **Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory** in New York conducts further research and operates prototype plants.
- **Naval Reactors Facility** in Idaho manages spent nuclear fuel and prototype testing.
List of programs
- Development and testing of new reactor designs.
- Training of Navy personnel for nuclear propulsion operations.
- Management of spent nuclear fuel from naval reactors.
- Oversight of nuclear-powered ship construction and maintenance.
Last total enacted budget
The budget for Naval Reactors isn't specified separately from the broader NNSA budget, but it's known to be substantial, with NNSA's total budget being around $19.1 billion in FY 2023[2].
Leader
The title of the leader is Director of Naval Reactors, traditionally a four-star admiral serving an eight-year term.
Services provided
NR provides the Navy with nuclear propulsion systems, oversees the training of naval personnel for nuclear operations, performs quality assurance, ensures safety and environmental compliance, and manages the lifecycle of nuclear reactors from cradle to grave.
Regulations overseen
NR sets and enforces stringent standards for the design, operation, maintenance, and safety of naval nuclear propulsion plants, ensuring compliance with both Navy and DOE regulations, focusing on safety, security, and environmental protection.
Headquarters address
Washington Navy Yard, 1240 Isaac Hull Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20376, USA
Website
https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/naval-reactors
Wikipedia article
wikipedia:United States Naval Reactors