Vice Admiral Hyman G. Rickover
U.S. Navy Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Ships for Nuclear Propulsion
Place of DeathArlington, Virginia, United States
Admiral Hyman G. Rickover (January 27, 1900 – July 8, 1986), U.S. Navy, directed the original development of naval nuclear propulsion and controlled its operations for three decades as director of Naval Reactors. In addition, he oversaw the development of the Shippingport Atomic Power Station, the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor used for generating electricity.
Known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy," Rickover's profound effects on the Navy and its most powerful warships were of such scope that he "may well go down in history as one of the Navy's most important officers." He served in a flag rank for nearly 30 years (1953 to 1982), ending his career as a four-star admiral. His total of 63 years of active duty service made Rickover the longest-serving naval officer and the longest serving member of the U.S armed forces in history.
Rickover is only one of four people who have ever been awarded two Congressional Gold Medals. His substantial legacy of technical achievements includes the United States Navy's continuing record of zero reactor accidents, defined as "the uncontrolled release of fission products to the environment subsequent to reactor core damage"
Known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy," Rickover's profound effects on the Navy and its most powerful warships were of such scope that he "may well go down in history as one of the Navy's most important officers." He served in a flag rank for nearly 30 years (1953 to 1982), ending his career as a four-star admiral. His total of 63 years of active duty service made Rickover the longest-serving naval officer and the longest serving member of the U.S armed forces in history.
Rickover is only one of four people who have ever been awarded two Congressional Gold Medals. His substantial legacy of technical achievements includes the United States Navy's continuing record of zero reactor accidents, defined as "the uncontrolled release of fission products to the environment subsequent to reactor core damage"