Skip to main content

Occupational Radiation Exposure From Naval Reactors' Department of Energy Facilities

Abstract

The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is a joint Department of Energy / Department of the Navy Program with central control by a single headquarters organization. Within the Department of Energy, the organization is designated as the Office of Naval Reactors. It operates two Department of Energy laboratories; one Department of Energy site with two operating and one inactive and defueled prototype naval nuclear propulsion plants; one Department of Energy site that operates the Expended Core Facility (for dispositioning of naval fuel and examination of irradiated test specimens) and has three inactive and defueled prototype nuclear propulsion plants; and nuclear component engineering and procurement organizations. The two Department of Energy laboratories, the Department of Energy prototype site, and the Department of Energy site with the Expended Core Facility are collectively known as the Naval Nuclear Laboratory. Table 1 shows the facilities that have conducted radioactive work associated with the Naval Reactors Program and the date when such work began. Naval Reactors' Department of Energy facilities provide research and development, engineering, training, and supply support for the Navy's 71 nuclear-powered submarines and 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in operation at the end of 2018.