On a nuclear submarine or ship, a nuclear officer is in charge of overseeing critical operations. Nuclear power systems are used a number of countries, including France and Russia, for many of their ships. A nuclear officer in the US Navy is required to have a college diploma and is in charge of supervising other personnel.
Nuclear officers can choose between two general career paths: “Submarine Officer” and “Surface Warfare.” A submarine’s nuclear officer assists in the command and management of either an attack or missile submarine. This necessitates familiarity with the propulsion, weapons, and atmosphere control systems. A nuclear submarine’s small crew means that an officer has a wide range of responsibilities and must be well-versed in all aspects of the vessel.
A submarine nuclear officer’s training begins at a school like the Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) in the United States. Officers study nuclear reactor science in a classroom setting for several months here. Individuals will receive a thorough education in the intricacies of nuclear power as a result of this. Hands-on experience with nuclear power plants is usually part of the training.
A submarine officer typically receives additional training, such as the US Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC). This course covers nuclear submarine seamanship and operations procedures, and qualifies a person to command enlisted crew members as a division officer. A nuclear officer will be ready to manage teams of workers aboard a deployed submarine once they have completed this training.
Surface warfare officers, like submarine officers, are in charge of groups of sailors on nuclear-powered ships. Officers usually assist in the coordination of air defense, propulsion, and surface warfare operations on surface vessels, which are larger than submarines. Before serving on a nuclear surface craft, officers usually gain experience as a division officer on a non-nuclear ship, after which they begin nuclear training.
Submarine officers and surface warfare nuclear officers both attend the Naval Nuclear Power School. The Nuclear Power Training Unit is also in the same location. A surface officer is usually assigned to an engineering plant on a nuclear aircraft carrier after completing this standardized training. Nuclear officers ensure that the ship’s propulsion systems are properly monitored and maintained in this position.
Both submarine and surface nuclear officers have a number of advancement options. Individuals can work as instructors at nuclear power training facilities or on special projects. Later in their Navy careers, many officers go on to command their own nuclear-powered submarine or ship.