United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

Page 10 text:

7'he fy()A£Siu4we?i oi Atomic MenAicuii Aleeti The success o f the N.S. SAVANNAH is not wholly dependent upon the design and construction of the vessel. A nuclear vessel requires a highly trained, extremely capable crew. Both the officers and crew of an atomic-powered vessel must be specially trained in its operation, main- tenance, and technology. Hi ere can be no room for doubt in any phase of the operation of such a vessel. The officers in particular must have extensive training. All of the officers of the SAVANNAH will have more than a year s special training for their new jobs. Not only must these men be thoroughly versed in the operation of their ships, they must also be prepared to be ambassadors for the U. S. The SAVANNAH is America on display, and all the world will be looking at her and judging our country. Kings Point has foreseen-the coming need for well trained nuclear ships’ officers, both deck and engine, and special courses are being offered to the Cadets in the fields of nuclear physics and engineering. It is expected that within the next few years all Cadets will receive a comprehensive course designed to prepare them to cope with nuclear ships and reactors. The hrain of the engine room of the N.S. SAVANNAH is this large and somewhat complex looking Bailey board. Designed by the Bailey Meter Company and Babcox Wilcox Company, this board provides for control for the entire plant. 6

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America lakeA the, lead Thanks to the foresight of the leaders of this great nation, the American Merchant Marine has taken the lead in the construction and operation of atomic ships. Presi- dent Eisenhower first suggested the construction of an atomic-powered merchant ship in the spring of 1955. Congress acted quickly upon this suggestion and construction was begun almost immediately. Many government and civilian agencies are involved in the design and construc- tion o) this fine vessel. This year of 1960 will see trials of the SAVAN- NAH and everyone in the marine industry anxiously awaits the results of these tests. 7 he success of the trials will be one of the determining factors in swinging the entire marine industry solidly behind nuclear mer- chant vessels. Let us hope that in the near future we will see many more launchings such as the one pictured on this page. 5

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The senior deck officers of the N.S. SAVANNAH are undergoing an extensive training period in preparation for their new jobs. Their courses include nuclear techno associated with this ship. logy and courses designed to provide the answers to problems This machine is manufacturing uranium pellets which will be sealed in the fuel rods for the reactor core. Three of the N.S. SAVANNAH’s senior deck officers inspect the control panel which operates the ship s nuclear power plant.