SteegeXP’s Post

I recently chatted with a transitioning submarine officer. It reminded me that Naval Nuclear Power School probably doesn't mean much in #internationaldevelopment but should. First, consider this an intensive MS/MEng in renewable energy. It requires 12+ hour days of class and study, and culminates in a six-month practicum at "Prototype" to solidify academic lessons in a realistic environment (see the USNI article for more detail about how it works). Second, consider submarine officers technical specialists in #sustainableenergy - there's a cliche that they'll speak to the merits of nuclear power over every other source, but it's a cliche for a reason. Every submarine officer I know is highly familiar with and personally implements solar, geothermal, wind, and/or hydropower and can speak to what works on small and large scales and in different environments. They also have the technical knowledge of how power plants connect to microgrids (like a submarine) and the challenges of connecting grids and dealing with variable draws. Third, since operating underwater power plants has life-or-death consequences, submarine officers have high standards for ample safety margins and by-the-book operations. You want their insights on training, safety, staffing requirements, and infrastructure on a power bid. #vetsindevelopment #transitioningveterans

While the commercial nuclear accident at Three Mile Island may not directly have been #navalhistory, the accident had a profound effect on the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program both in 1979 and today. On March 28, 1979 in Middletown, Pa., the Unit 2 reactor partially melted down resulting in the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant operating history. In the wake of the accident, the Subcommittee on Energy Research and Production of the Committee on Science and Technology U.S. House of Representatives called upon Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to discuss his perspective on the incident. In his statement following the Three Mile Island Accident, Admiral Hyman G. Rickover outlined the safety record of the Naval Reactors Program (26 years accident free) and reviewed the 15 Principles of an effective and safe nuclear Program. Today, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program still operates in accordance with these guiding principles, which is why the Program continues to operate safely and effectively with the support of the best possible people for the job. To learn more about the Three Mile Island accident and it's impact follow this link: https://ow.ly/Pf3J50QRloS

Fueling the Future of Naval Power—Become a Naval Reactors Engineer (#NRE) Fission. Enriched uranium. The world's most powerful energy sources demand the brightest minds. As a Nuclear Reactors Engineer, you’ll be the technical authority behind the research, design, maintenance, operations, and regulation of Navy nuclear reactors and power plants that propel the most advanced submarines and aircraft carriers on earth. In this role, you'll have the chance to: 🔧 Oversee reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design, and more. 🔧 Ensure safe and efficient operation of Navy reactors. 🔧 Be stationed at Naval Reactors Headquarters in Washington, D.C., working with an elite team overseeing the entire Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Your journey starts with comprehensive training, leading to a position where even junior engineers handle key technical work across state-of-the-art facilities, including: 🏭 Two Department of Energy laboratories ⚓ Two nuclear prototype/training sites 🚢 Nearly 100 nuclear-powered ships and submarines 🛠️ Six shipyards 🔬 Over 1,000 firms supporting the Naval Reactors Program Join us in defining and redefining the cutting edge of nuclear propulsion. Set the standard in nuclear reactor research and regulation while contributing to the safety and efficiency of our nation's Navy. Naval Reactors #NuclearEngineering #NavalReactors #EngineeringJobs #NavyCareers #NuclearPropulsion #USNavy #Calculus #Physics #AerospaceEngineering #ChemicalEngineering #ElectricalEngineering #NNPTC #NPTU #NNL #STEM #MechanicalEngineering #Technology #Innovation #Futurism

Integrated power systems (IPS) for ships with its direct current (DC) technology are at least “one generation ahead” of competitors. Western navies had realised the mistake of using alternating current (AC) on their newest ships, but even if everything went to plan, their switch to DC technology would not happen until 2027 at the earliest. The IPS unifies and converts all primary energy sources of the ship into electrical energy, which is then used by the power network for propulsion, communication, navigation, detection, weapons, operational facilities and personal electronic devices. This marks the third revolution in ship power, following the transitions from human and wind power to steam power, and then to internal combustion engines, gas turbines and nuclear power. It is a revolution that began around 20 years ago – and at the time, China and the West chose different technical paths. The United States and Britain opted for IPS based on AC.

Our “No Power, No Mission” panel featured Lt. Col. Thomas Nix of Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Tabitha Dodson of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Michael Smith of United States Department of Defense. Panelists discussed the role of nuclear power in space missions and the challenges and opportunities surrounding it. #POCspace2024

Our “No Power, No Mission” panel featured Lt. Col. Thomas Nix of Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Tabitha Dodson of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Michael Smith of United States Department of Defense. Panelists discussed the role of nuclear power in space missions and the challenges and opportunities surrounding it. #POCspace2024

Our “No Power, No Mission” panel featured Lt. Col. Thomas Nix of Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Tabitha Dodson of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Michael Smith of United States Department of Defense. Panelists discussed the role of nuclear power in space missions and the challenges and opportunities surrounding it. #POCspace2024

Our “No Power, No Mission” panel featured Lt. Col. Thomas Nix of Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Tabitha Dodson of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Michael Smith of United States Department of Defense. Panelists discussed the role of nuclear power in space missions and the challenges and opportunities surrounding it. #POCspace2024

Our “No Power, No Mission” panel featured Lt. Col. Thomas Nix of Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Tabitha Dodson of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Michael Smith of United States Department of Defense. Panelists discussed the role of nuclear power in space missions and the challenges and opportunities surrounding it. #POCspace2024

Our “No Power, No Mission” panel featured Lt. Col. Thomas Nix of Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Tabitha Dodson of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Michael Smith of United States Department of Defense. Panelists discussed the role of nuclear power in space missions and the challenges and opportunities surrounding it. #POCspace2024