... the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program embodies unsurpassed engineering and sustained excellence that few technical programs in or out of government can claim.  In every area of performance, standards, safety, and environmental care, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has excelled. ...

Former Vice President Al Gore:

... I want to acknowledge from my personal experience the high regard I have for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.   In the field of nuclear energy, not only has Naval Nuclear Propulsion made a contribution to national security of incalculable value, but has done so with a level of sustained excellence that is an outstanding example of Government serving its citizens.   The program's record of safety and environmental protection, started long before it was generally recognized how important these things are, is simply without equal. ...

... I truly feel that all the men and women involved in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program should know that our entire nation owes them debt of gratitude.  Indeed it was and is your efforts in creating and maintaining revolutionary technologies and programs that make the United States the envy of the world.  As someone who was served so well by the breakthroughs and advancements you provide, I thank you. ...

Former President, Jimmy Carter:

... As a young submarine officer and later as President of the United States, I was privileged to work for and then with Admiral Hyman Rickover.  No one has made a greater contribution to our nation's security and scientific progress than this extraordinary man.  As one of the greatest engineers of all time, he used extraordinary vision, intensity of purpose, and superb technical skills to orchestrate the use of nuclear energy--both for peaceful uses and for the preservation of world peace. ...

... Since 1948, the Program, founded by Admiral Rickover, has served as a shining example of the excellence and efficiency we are working to achieve throughout the Department of Defense.  Nuclear propulsion has enabled the Navy to make vital and continuing contributions to our national security around the globe.  The reliability and endurance of the nuclear-powered fleet have been, and remain today, pivotal to providing strategic deterrence, forward presence, and freedom of the seas. ...

Former Secretary of the Navy, John Dalton:

... Committed to excellence in designing, building, and operating nuclear propulsion in plants, Naval Reactors' people continue to set the standard for reliability, safety, and care for the environment. ...

... Nuclear propulsion provides our aircraft carriers with virtually unlimited range and endurance at high speeds, allows carrying substantially greater amounts of munitions and aircraft fuel, and dramatically reduces dependence on logistical support.  These advantages result in increased operational flexibility, independence, and survivability. ...

Senator Strom Thurmond:

... The United States Navy has seen many advancements in its almost 223 years of existence, but perhaps none have been as important as nuclear propulsion. ...this is truly an invention that has affected the entire Navy and its many international operations.  I am truly proud of the excellent record that the Naval Nuclear Program has garnered. ...

... No program or technology has done more to safeguard America's national security than "Naval Reactors." ...

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Henry Shelton:

... Over the last half-century, naval nuclear reactors have steamed over 110 million miles with an unmatched, absolutely flawless record of safety and performance.   Today, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers reign as the centerpiece of America's strategy of forward presence, and nuclear-powered submarines remain a crown jewel of our Nation's defense arsenal. ...

... The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has proved itself to be the crucial backbone of the United States Armed Forces.  It is clear that our country's global influence and reach depend upon a military strategy founded on the ability to dominate the sea.   This strategy requires naval forces that can project military might to prevent conflict, and when necessary, to fight and win.  Sea superiority is a vital aspect of this strategy, and is the reason the nuclear Navy is the key in America's sea forces.   Nuclear power propels more than 40 percent of the Navy's major combatants, having steamed more than 113 million miles. ...

Senator Trent Lott:

... The role that the propulsion program plays in the oversight of the Navy's vessels is paramount.  I will do all that is within my power to ensure that American naval men and women are provided superior nuclear reactor submarines and warships that provide our citizens with the best defense. ...

...the utilization of nuclear power in American warships through Naval Reactors is a true success, adding significantly for half a century to the long-held superiority of our military forces. ...

Chairman, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Shirley Jackson:

... Particularly noteworthy are the conservative rugged designs, standardized plants, thorough testing, comprehensive plant maintenance, emphasis on correcting small problems before they can grow, and the high degree of selection, training, and qualification of officers and enlisted personnel who operate the plants.   These high standards and achievements continue to be reflected in the quality and competence of the Naval Reactors Headquarters and field organizations, including their dedicated laboratories, shipyards, manufacturing activities, and training facilities. ...

... Since the USS NAUTILUS radioed "Underway on nuclear power" on January 17, 1955, the unbroken string of technological breakthroughs and sterling national defense is truly one of America's success stories. ...

Senator Dirk Kempthorne:

... Since the days of Admiral Rickover, the men and women of the Nuclear Propulsion Program have been recognized around the world for their high standards of achievement and performance, their commitment to professionalism, and their dedication to accountability.  Fifty years later, these qualities remain the standard of the Nuclear Propulsion Program. ...

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) salutes Naval Reactors - 50 Years of Excellence