01 Biography
Hyman G. Rickover was born in Poland in 1900 and emigrated to the United States as a child. A US Navy admiral, he became the driving force behind the development of nuclear-powered submarines, personally overseeing every detail of the first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (commissioned 1954). His approach to nuclear safety was legendary - he insisted on exhaustive training, rigorous procedures, and personal accountability at every level, and he personally interviewed every candidate for nuclear submarine duty. His "Naval Reactors" programme has operated nuclear propulsion systems for over 70 years with a remarkable safety record. He served for 63 years in the US Navy - the longest-serving officer in its history.
02 Key Achievements
03 Notable Quote
"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war."
04 Legacy
Rickover's extraordinarily rigorous safety culture - documenting everything, taking personal responsibility, valuing questioning authority on safety issues - became the model for civilian nuclear power safety and is credited with the US Navy's near-perfect nuclear safety record.