Nuclear Power (General)

The Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) provides advanced nuclear training with classroom instruction in the demanding nuclear pipeline training at Nuclear Power School and follow-on nuclear operator training at the Navy’s Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) on an operational land-based or moored training ship reactor prototype.  This is a full-year of intensive training ashore before serving at sea. Once they are qualified, they are assigned to duties that require the supervision, operation, and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants.

In the fleet, as a fully-qualified enlisted nuclear operator or commissioned officer, the work continues in nuclear operations roles that require developing the skills they have learned. As nuclear-trained Officers serving in the fleet, they are Submarine Warfare, Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) and Naval Aviators that oversee the propulsion systems and nuclear operator personnel aboard these cities at sea with advanced nuclear training. Unrestricted Line Officers will also complete the nuclear engineering officer qualification at Naval Reactors before assignment as an Engineer or Reactor Officer.

For the enlisted personnel, the Navy has Electronics Technician (ET) ratings (skills sets) for maintaining electronic equipment used to send and receive messages, computer information systems, long range radar, and calibration of test equipment. They maintain, repair, calibrate, tune, and adjust electronic equipment used for communications, detection and tracking, recognition and identification and navigation. Nuclear-trained ETs are responsible as nuclear-trained reactor operators that perform similar duties in nuclear propulsion plants operating reactor control, propulsion and power generation systems.

The Navy has enlisted Electrician’s Mates (EM) ratings that are responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances. These duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment. EM's also perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment. The Navy uses EM’s as nuclear-trained electrical operators that perform similar duties in nuclear propulsion plants operating reactor control, propulsion and power generation systems. 

The Navy has Machinist’s Mates (MM) ratings that operate and maintain steam turbines and reduction gears used for ship propulsion and auxiliary machinery such as turbo-generators, pumps and oil purifiers. The nuclear-trained MMs are nuclear-trained mechanical operators that perform similar duties in nuclear propulsion plants operating reactor plant, propulsion train and power generation systems.

Some of the enlisted nuclear-trained MMs may receive advanced training to serve as Engineering Laboratory Technicians that maintain reactor and steam plant water chemistry and enforce radiation safety controls.

Both officer and enlisted assignments are controlled in connection with supervision, operation, and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants.  Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officers and Enlisted Nuclear Operators must periodically re-qualify to operate and maintain the nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers, but are assessed frequently in simulated drills while being held to the highest standards. 

Commercial nuclear operations and maintenance career fields value the navy's nuclear power training and experience, and most outside the navy will find employment with a similar compensation package after several years of qualification or earning seniority. Most employers do not provide free health care or pension benefits, other than an opportunity to invest in a 401(k) plan. There were only a few U.S. civil nuclear ships built as experimental, they still exist in non-operational status, one of those is as the N.S. Savannah, which was built as a part of the U.S. Atoms for Peace program.