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Hyman G. Rickover was born in Makow, Russia - now Poland - January 27, 1900. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1922, and served on board the USS LaVallette and USS Nevada until he returned to the Academy for postgraduate education in electrical engineering. Rickover underwent submarine training between Jan. and June of 1930. His service as head of the Bureau of Ship's Electrical Section during WWII brought him the Legion of Merit medal and provided him with experience in directing large development programs, choosing talented technical people, and working closely with private industry.
Rickover was assigned to the Bureau of Ships in September of 1947. Rickover received training in nuclear power at Oak Ridge, Tennessee and worked with the bureau to explore the possibility of nuclear-powered ship propulsion. In Feb. of 1949 he received assignment to the Division of Reactor Development at the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and as director of the Naval Reactors Branch in the Bureau of Ships. This twin role enabled him to lead the effort to develop the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, commissioned Jan. of 1955.
In 1958 Rickover was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral. Rickover exerted tremendous influence over the nuclear Navy in both engineering and cultural ways. His views touched matters of design, propulsion, education, personnel, and professional standards. In every sense, he played the role of Father to the nuclear fleet, its officers, and its men. After 64 years of service, Rickover retired from the Navy as a full Admiral on Jan. 19, 1982. He died on July 8, 1986.
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