“Underway on Nuclear Power” 52 Years Ago

From the Submarine Force Museum NAUTILUS history page:

On the morning of January 17, 1955, at 11 am EST, NAUTILUS’ first Commanding Officer, Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson, USN, ordered all lines cast off and signaled the memorable and historic message, “Underway On Nuclear Power.” Over the next several years, NAUTILUS shattered all submerged speed and distance records.

She is now resting as at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT. Was a “Class Ship,” set a lot of records and steamed over 513K miles during her service….

I can’t believe I scooped Chap and Bubblehead on this submarine force history story….

Posted by xformed on January 17, 2007.

Categories: History, Military, Military History, Navy, Technology

2 Responses

1. Sir,

   With all due respect: almost forty two years ago the mighty USS Essex (CVS-9) collided with the submerged Nautilus off the coast of the Carolinas. The Nautilus was a well seasoned vessel at that time, though not as seasoned as the Essex. I was aboard and I do have a pic that I can send later in the day.

   I do remember reading of the Nautilus first getting underway in my Weekly Reader some fifty-one years ago.

   Vr-
   -SJBill

   by SJBill on Jan 17, 2007 at 10:52 am

2. Corrected…I guess the coffee hadn’t kicked in and I was overly anxious to get the report “on the air” before my silent service brethern woke up.

   Good catch. I hope too many didn’t link to the post yet…

   by xformed on Jan 17, 2007 at 3:06 pm

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I’ve traveled extensively, both as a child and in my professional career. I have a global view of the world and the situations we currently face as a nation. Between some practical experiences, lots of reading and some time sitting in classrooms/lecture halls, I have opinions that I will share here.more →