Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
Stored: Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Office of Naval Reactors |
| Top Organization | Department of Energy |
| Creation Legislation | Executive Order 12344 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | To design, develop, and provide long-term support for nuclear propulsion systems for U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers, ensuring safe, reliable, and effective naval operations. The program integrates the efforts of the Department of Energy and the Department of the Navy to manage all aspects of naval nuclear propulsion from design through decommissioning. |
| Program Start | 1946 |
| Initial Funding | Not publicly specified |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) is a joint program between the Department of Energy and the [[Department of the Navy, responsible for all aspects of nuclear propulsion in U.S. naval vessels. It focuses on the development, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of nuclear reactors used in submarines and aircraft carriers, ensuring they meet stringent military and safety standards.
Goals
- To provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants for the U.S. Navy.
- Ensure the safety, reliability, and long-term operation of nuclear reactors.
- Advance naval reactor technology to enhance endurance, stealth, speed, and operational independence of naval vessels.
Organization
The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is managed by the **Director of Naval Reactors**, who also serves as a Deputy Administrator in the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) under the Department of Energy. The program operates under a unique dual-agency structure, with responsibilities shared between the Department of Energy and the Department of the Navy, ensuring comprehensive oversight.
Partners
History
The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program was initiated in 1946 under the leadership of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, often referred to as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy." The program was formalized by Executive Order 12344 in 1982, which established its current organizational structure. Over the years, the program has significantly advanced nuclear propulsion technology, notably with the commissioning of the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine in 1954. The program has evolved to support an expanding fleet of nuclear-powered vessels, with ongoing research to improve reactor longevity and efficiency.
Funding
Details on the initial funding are not publicly detailed, but the program has been consistently funded by the U.S. government through both the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense budgets. The funding supports research, development, construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of naval nuclear reactors, with additional allocations for staff training and facility operations.
Implementation
The program operates through a network of research labs, nuclear-capable shipyards, and training facilities managed by both government and contractor personnel. It includes the development of new technologies, testing at prototype facilities, and the lifecycle management of nuclear propulsion systems. There is no set end date for the program as it continues to adapt to new naval requirements and technological advancements.
Related
External links
- https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/naval-reactors
- wikipedia:Naval Reactors
Social media
- No official social media accounts are publicly listed for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.