Navy Offers Expertise, Opportunity in Nuclear-Powered World

A recent story in The Times-Dispatch on nuclear power ["Schools Restart Nuclear Programs"] is yet another powerful indicator of the resurgence of nuclear energy in our country's schools as well as in the civilian power industry.

As the benefits of nuclear power -- as both a "green" and secure energy source -- are being realized, the opportunities in this field will be extensive. Many Americans are unaware of the strong ties between our country's Navy and the civilian nuclear power industry. Readers should be aware of the impressive scholarships, education, and employment options offered by our country's Navy in the field of nuclear power.

One of the most influential and significant figures in our country's development of civilian nuclear power was Adm. Hyman G. Rickover. The stories of Rickover abound, but he is most known for his tenacity and relentless dedication.

In 1955, as a result of Rickover's efforts, the USS Nautilus (our nation's first nuclear-powered submarine) signaled the memorable and historic message, "Underway On Nuclear Power."

Over the next several years, Nautilus shattered all submerged speed and distance records -- proving the strength and agility of nuclear power. Rickover's work on the Nautilus greatly influenced the subsequent design of civilian nuclear power plants.

The first demonstration nuclear power plant, in Shippingport, Pa., was based on Rickover's submarine reactor. Most of the pressurized water reactors in the United States today are adaptations of Rickover's Shippingport reactor.

This tradition and standard of excellence in nuclear power has continued into today's Navy. No more clearly is this demonstrated than in the Navy's outstanding safety record of more than 134 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power.

The Navy currently operates more than 103 reactors and has accumulated more than 5,700 reactor-years of operation. A leader in environmental protection, the Navy has published annual environmental reports since the 1960s, which document that the nuclear power program has not had an adverse effect on human health or the quality of the environment.

Due to this demonstrated reliability, U.S. nuclear-powered warships are welcomed in more than 150 ports of call in more than 50 foreign countries and dependencies.

As a naval nuclear propulsion officer and submariner who has worked around nuclear reactors for the majority of my career, I am intimately familiar with the world-class education and training the U.S. Navy provides on nuclear power.

Upon completion of the Navy's nuclear-power training, it was my distinct pleasure to serve on board the USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-709), a nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine named in honor of the admiral. My tour aboard the submarine can best be described as the most profound experience of my life thus far. Nowhere else have I seen such a collection of highly trained individuals cooperate so efficiently as a cohesive unit in service of their country.

What is surprising is the public's lack of awareness about the scholarships provided by the Navy for undergraduate and graduate students.

The NUPOC (Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate) scholarships are available to all varieties of engineering students wishing to gain entrance into this imminent surge toward nuclear power. These scholarships pay students more than $100,000 directly while in college and guarantee them world-premier education and training in nuclear power after graduation.

Upon graduation students can serve their country in one of four distinct nuclear-power fields: as a nuclear submarine officer, a nuclear surface warfare officer, a nuclear power instructor, or a naval reactors engineer.

Students are eligible to enroll in these scholarships at the start of their sophomore year in college and receive full military benefits (such as health care and base privileges) while enrolled.

As a veteran of a NUPOC scholarship, I can testify that it was one of the best decisions of my life. Graduating from college with zero debt, more than $80,000 in my bank account, and a world-premier nuclear education and training is a claim few college graduates can make.

My service in the Navy's nuclearpower field has not only netted me the option of a viable career within the Navy, but has significantly increased my options for employment and marketability in the civilian nuclear power industry.
Lt. Stuart Chambers, U.S. Navy, earned his commission in the Submarine Force on Oct. 31, 2003. After completion of the nuclear training pipeline, he served on board the USS Hyman G. Rickover, based out of Norfolk. He reported to Navy Recruiting District Richmond in February 2008. He currently resides in Richmond and may be reached at (804) 771-2001, ext. 139, or at .