Naval Nuclear Power School

• Origins in the Cold War: The Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) was established in 1955 to train officers and enlisted personnel to operate the United States Navy's nuclear-powered ships and submarines, under the direction of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover. • First Location: The original school was located in New London, Connecticut, before moving to Bainbridge, Maryland, and later to Orlando, Florida, and finally to its current home in Goose Creek, South Carolina. • Rigorous Curriculum: NNPS is renowned for its intense and challenging academic program, covering subjects such as nuclear physics, reactor principles, thermodynamics, electrical engineering, and chemistry. • Selective Admission: Only a small percentage of Navy applicants are accepted into NNPS, making it one of the most selective and academically demanding technical schools in the U.S. military. • Length of Training: The school lasts approximately six months, with students spending up to 50 hours per week in classroom instruction and homework. • Women in Nuclear Power: The first women were admitted to the naval nuclear program in the 1970s, and today, both male and female sailors train together at NNPS. • Rickover's Legacy: Admiral Rickover, known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy," was famous for his personal interviews with candidates, ensuring only the most qualified and dedicated were admitted. • Academic Honors: Graduates who excel academically are recognized with honors such as "Distinguished Graduate" or "Honor Graduate," distinctions that carry significant prestige within the Navy. • Impact on the Fleet: NNPS graduates serve aboard all U.S. Navy nuclear-powered vessels, including aircraft carriers and submarines, playing a critical role in maintaining the Navy's technological edge. • Famous Alumni: Notable NNPS graduates include former President Jimmy Carter, who attended the precursor program and served as a nuclear-trained officer on submarines.