There are a great number of different science careers available in the Navy. One of the more exciting ones is as a Nuclear Science technician. Serving in the Navy in this field is something that places you in the elite of scientific effort in the world in applied sciences.
The U.S. Navy operates nuclear powered cruisers, submarines, and aircraft carriers. The safety record for these vessels is outstanding, and continues to be the safest use of nuclear energy found anywhere in the world. Candidates who are chosen to serve in the sciences for the Navy are selected on the basis of their science, math and other test scores. The Navy looks for people who can handle pressure well, and who are able to handle responsibility and stress.
The Navy Nuclear Science program has over a forty-year history of safe operation, having traveled nearly one hundred twenty million miles with an outstanding safety record. Sciences that are staffed under the Navy Nuclear science umbrella include nuclear operations, nuclear power, and meteorology. If you have what it takes to enter the meteorological or nuclear technology ranks, then perhaps this might be the career field for you.
A high importance is placed on Nuclear Engineering and the operation of nuclear plant for operations in the navy. After about a year of post boot camp advanced training, you may be assigned to a submarine or surface vessel as a nuclear power plant operator. If you are selected for the Meteorological division, then you may become an Aerographer mate, and be responsible for helping forecast and generate accurate pictures of the weather and changing weather conditions.
As part of this rating, you may be required to perform some or all of the following duties:
-Operate, repair, and maintain different types of electrical power generators.
-Maintain and keep operational a nuclear reactor power plant.
-Collect and compile weather data and issue forecasts.
-Monitor and maintain nuclear reactor chemistry and reactor levels.
-Operate and use radio equipment to communicate with satellites.
-Use state of the art technical equipment to record weather humidity, temperature and sea conditions.
Training in the Navy is the most in-depth, and comprehensive training available anywhere. The training given in the U.S. Navy has set the standards of nuclear power training worldwide. During the year of Nuclear power school, classes in chemistry, physics, mathematics, thermodynamics, and electrical engineering are some of the most challenging in the world.
