Why is the Navy so secretive about its reactor department and people?
A. The integrity of national security is vital in protecting our Sailors and Marines who serve around the world. Over 116,000 officers and enlisted technicians have been trained in the nuclear reactor program. The officer selection process accepts only applicants who are in high standing at colleges and universities. All personnel receive 1-2 years of training in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. In addition, personnel spend about 6 months qualifying on their ship to which they are assigned before they stand watch. As a result, when a ship’s reactor is in operation at sea, there are both senior enlisted technicians and officers on duty with an average of 40 years experience in naval nuclear propulsion.
