Nuclear officers oversee operations on nuclear-powered submarines and ships. They require a college degree and training in nuclear reactors. They can choose between submarine or surface warfare career paths and have opportunities for advancement.
A nuclear officer is responsible for overseeing major operations aboard a nuclear-powered submarine or ship. Several different countries, including France and Russia, use nuclear power systems for many of their ships. In the US Navy, a nuclear officer must have a college degree and is responsible for supervising other personnel.
“Submarine Officer” and “Surface Warfare” are the two general career paths for nuclear officers. A nuclear officer stationed on a submarine helps command and manage an attack or missile submarine. This requires familiarity with propulsion systems, weapons systems and atmospheric controls. The relatively small crew of a nuclear submarine means that an officer has a wide range of responsibilities and must have knowledge of all areas of the vessel.
The career path of a submarine nuclear officer starts at training institutes such as the Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) in the US. Here, officers spend several months studying the science of nuclear reactors in a classroom setting. This provides individuals with a solid education in the ins and outs of nuclear power. Training normally continues with hands-on experience in nuclear power plants.
Typically, an officer receives additional training such as the Basic Submarine Officer Course (SOBC) in the US. This course covers seamanship and operations procedures for a nuclear submarine and qualifies one person to lead enlisted crew members as a divisional officer. When this training is completed, a nuclear officer is ready to manage teams of workers aboard a deployed submarine.
Like undersea officers, surface warfare officers lead groups of sailors on nuclear-powered ships. Surface ships are larger than submarines, and officers often help coordinate air defense, propulsion, and surface warfare operations. Before an officer serves aboard a surface nuclear craft, candidates generally gain experience as a divisional officer on a non-nuclear vessel, after which nuclear training begins.
A surface warfare nuclear officer attends the same Naval School of Nuclear Energy as submarine officers. The location of the Nuclear Energy Training Facility is also the same. After this standardized training, a surface officer is normally assigned to an engineering plant on a nuclear aircraft carrier. In this position, nuclear officers ensure that the ship’s propulsion systems are properly monitored and maintained.
There are several advancement opportunities for submarine and surface nuclear officers. Individuals can continue to be instructors in nuclear energy training units or work on special projects. Many officers command their own nuclear-powered submarine or ship later in their Navy careers.
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