Hyman Rickover
| Hyman G. Rickover | |
|---|---|
Rickover pictured in 1955 as a rear admiral
|
|
| Birth name | Chaim Godalia Rickover |
| Nickname(s) | "Father of the Nuclear Navy" |
| Born |
January 27, 1900 Maków Mazowiecki, Congress Poland |
| Died |
July 8, 1986 (aged 86) Arlington County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1918–1982 |
| Rank |
 Admiral
|
| Commands held |
USS Finch Naval Reactors |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Cold War |
| Awards |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (3) Legion of Merit (2) Congressional Gold Medal (2) Presidential Medal of Freedom Enrico Fermi Award |
| Spouse(s) | Ruth D. Masters (1931–1972 (her death); 1 child) Eleonore A. Bednowicz (1974–1986 (his death)) |
Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, 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." A naval officer who served in a flag rank for nearly 30 years – from 1953 to 1982 – Rickover was promoted to four-star admiral after 51 years of commissioned service. In total, with his unique personality, political connections, responsibilities, and depth of knowledge regarding naval nuclear propulsion, Rickover became the longest-serving naval officer in U.S. history with 63 years of active duty service.
As of July 2007, the Naval Sea Systems Command programs which he oversaw the creation and operation of had produced 200 nuclear-powered submarines, and 23 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and cruisers, though many of these U.S. vessels are now decommissioned and others are under construction.
Rickover is the only person who has 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, as defined by the uncontrolled release of fission products to the environment subsequent to reactor core damage.
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Wikipedia