[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 107 (Monday, August 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   UNITED STATES NAVAL NUCLEAR PROPULSION PROGRAM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 3, 1998

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a significant 
milestone this August--the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the 
United States Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Since its inception, 
this program has steadfastly demonstrated the advantages to our Nation 
inherent in the safe, responsible application of nuclear energy. This 
program's accomplishments have left an indelible imprint on our 
Nation's military, geopolitical, and industrial landscapes.
  Development of nuclear propulsion plant for military application was 
the work of a team of Navy, government, and civilian personnel led by 
Admiral Hyman G. Rickover. Starting completely from scratch in 1948, 
then-Captain Rickover obtained Congressional support to develop an 
industrial base in new technology, pioneer new materials, design, 
build, and operate a prototype reactor, establish a training program, 
and deliver to our Nation a nuclear-powered submarine, heralding the 
first true submersible. Within eight years, the U.S.S. Nautilus, 
broadcast her historic message ``Underway on nuclear power.'' From that 
moment, our maritime military capability was dramatically 
revolutionized.
  The use of nuclear power in our submarines and surface ships played a 
fundamental role in shaping our Cold War military posture. Starting 
with the ``Forty-one for Freedom'', our nuclear-powered ballistic 
missile submarines, with their virtual undetectability, became 
recognized as the most invulnerable component of the strategic triad. 
The Nautilus, in becoming the first ship to reach the North Pole, 
demonstrated the unlimited endurance of our nuclear-powered attack 
submarines and their ability to traverse the seas virtually anywhere on 
the planet. When the U.S.S. Enterprise became the first nuclear-powered 
aircraft carrier, our Navy made further strides in being able to 
rapidly project power to forward positions around the globe with 
minimal logistic constraints.
  While these developments were vital in demonstrating to the world 
community the United States' resolve to protect democracy from the 
advances of communism, the mission of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion 
Program remains equally crucial in today's post Cold War era. In light 
of growing global uncertainty and greatly reduced number of overseas 
U.S. bases, the need to be able to rapidly project force is more 
prevalent today than ever. The demands on our Navy/Marine Corps teams 
are sizable as we confront this reality, but the Naval Nuclear 
Propulsion Program remains at the forefront of developing innovative 
technologies capable of surpassing any advances made by potential 
adversaries. Introduction of the Seawolf-Class submarine and the future 
New Attack Submarine ensures the Naval capability developed over the 
last fifty years will continue to prevail for decades to come.
  At the same time, there is more to this fine program than what we 
observe in today's Navy. The Program developed the first full-scale 
atomic power plant designed solely for the production of electricity--
an effort which became a prototype for the majority of today's 
commercial nuclear power stations. The Program developed a nuclear-
powered, deep-submergence research and ocean engineering vehicle which 
not only has provided the Navy a valuable asset, but has been of 
benefit to other government agencies as well as research and 
educational institutions. Thousands of individuals have participated in 
this successful program, and the training and skills these people have 
acquired have made invaluable contributions to our Nation's industrial 
base.
  Fifty years is a long time for any organization to flourish, let 
alone a government entity, but while the Naval Nuclear Propulsion 
Program has grown in size over the years, its basic organization, 
responsibilities, standards, and technical discipline have remained 
unchanged. As a result of this consistency in approach toward 
safeguarding an unforgiving technology, the Program has achieved a 
safety and performance record internationally recognized as second to 
none. After over 113 million miles steamed on nuclear power, there has 
never been a reactor accident nor has there been any release of 
radioactivity resulting in significant environmental impact. The fact 
that our nuclear-powered warships operate internationally, visiting 
numerous foreign countries and territories is testament to the 
confidence bestowed on the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program not only by 
our Nation, but by nations worldwide.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to note the accomplishments of the Naval 
Nuclear Propulsion Program over the past 50 years, and take particular 
pride in knowing the citizens of New York's 22nd District have played a 
tremendous role in the Program's success. At a time when we are 
reevaluating the role of government in our society, and are focusing 
our efforts on streamlining federal organizations, we must proudly 
recognize an organization that has stood the test of time without 
compromising quality or losing its sense of mission. I urge my 
colleagues to ensure these virtues are preserved through continued 
support for the unique structure and operating philosophy that has 
shaped this program's unwavering standard of excellence.
  We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the 
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program who have forged its impeccable track 
record over the past fifty years, and wish the Program continuing 
success long into the future.

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