Rickover, Admiral

Systems analysis was also an integral part of the U.S. nuclear navy. The stringent standards imposed by Admiral Rickover to do with both nuclear safety and personnel selection have been a critical factor in the navy s continuing record of zero reactor accidents. 

The United States Navy turned to CPD to provide radium-beryllium neutron sources to start the small nuclear reactors in the world s first two nuclear submarines, the Nautilus (shown here) and theSVaxe. CPD had to file daily progress reports and field personal phone calls fiom Admiral Rickover. Over the next fiw years, CPD would make start-up sources for more than 15 nuclear subs. 

Organizations that base their vision on values seldom fail. With a clear vision, values lead to ideas and results. Without a clear vision, values aren t important and outcomes are uncertain or unpredictable. Do your homework. Share your values and ideas with others. Admiral Hyman Rickover, renowned as the father of the nuclear Navy, once said, Simple minds discuss people, average minds discuss events, great minds discuss ideas. ... 

It was the development of the nuclear reactor for navy propulsion that led to the use of zirconium and zirconium alloys as a fuel cladding material. This program, headed by Captain, and eventually Admiral, Rickover demonstrated flie viability of using fission energy to propel navy ships and submarines. 

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