Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program

This executive order establishes a unified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program jointly managed by the Department of Energy and Department of the Navy under a single director. It preserves the program's existing structure while formalizing the director's dual reporting role, eight-year term, and comprehensive authority over naval reactor safety, research, development, and personnel training.

47 FR 4979

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Impact dates

Feb 1, 1982
Executive Order effective date

Key directives

Single director shall head both DOE and Navy organizational units for naval nuclear propulsion
Director appointed to 8-year term with presidential approval required
Navy officer director nominated for grade of Admiral; civilian compensation set at appointment
DOE director assigned functions of Division of Naval Reactors per 42 U.S.C. 7158
Director reports to Secretary of Energy through Assistant Secretary for nuclear energy
Director reports directly to Chief of Naval Operations for Navy functions
Director given direct access to both Secretaries and senior officials in both departments

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

EO effective February 1, 1982
Unified command structure established under single director

Near term (90d)

Presidential approval required for director appointments
Secretaries must coordinate on director selection

Long term

Eight-year director terms institutionalized
Long-term stewardship of naval nuclear reactor program

Risks & tensions

Dual-hat structure creates inherent tension between DOE civilian energy mission and Navy operational requirements
Mutual concurrence requirement for termination/extension may produce deadlock between Secretaries
Unclear dispute resolution mechanism if Secretaries disagree on director performance or term
Presidential approval requirement for appointments adds procedural delay but ensures high-level oversight