Defense / National Security

The Economic Impact of the Nuclear Navy

• Nuclear engineers in the US Navy make 14% more than the national average among nuclear engineers according to GlassDoor.com
• There are over 125,000 sailors trained and qualified as nuclear propulsion plant operators.
• Sailors accepted into the naval propulsion training earn up to $15,000 as an entry bonus and receive special duty pay for their skills.

Virginia Supports America’s Nuclear Navy

• More than 40% of the Navy’s major combatants are nuclear powered, including 10 aircraft carriers, 54 attack submarines, and 18 strategic submarines.
• The navy operates 97 reactors and more than 150 million miles have been safely steamed by nuclear-powered naval vessels.
• Navy submarine and aircraft carrier cores have an endurance greater than 1 million miles.
• Two private shipyards, one in Virginia, build all U.S. nuclear-powered ships.
• Six shipyards, two in Virginia, employ 50,000 highly skilled workers to support the US nuclear fleet.