Re: RADSAFE digest 2753

[MdKent11k@aol.com]

The Thresher was not a direct result of faulty programs in the "Nuclear 
Navy."  It's so easy to "spin" a story to prove a point.

Now lets examine some more of the facts.  Prior to sinking Admiral Rickover 
had left the construction of the submarine to NAVSHIP's, he felt his group's 
only responsibility should be for the nuclear reactor, and it's associated 
subsystems; the sea water system not being one of them.  All "nuclear" piping 
connection's were welded and X-rayed, vice other non nuclear systems, which 
were brazed/soldered, and not subjected to NDT.  This fact was most "likely" 
the cause of the sea water system failure.  And after the accident, Admiral 
Rickover was contacted on forming the system many industries use today, 
Quality Assurance.

Another fact contributing to the demise of the Thresher was the main ballast 
tank blow system.  Small diameter pipes, and the compressed air not being 
dried.  These factors led to freezing in the pipes, and subsequently the air 
did not reach the main ballast tanks.  (Hmmmm, I don't know, but when I 
SERVED aboard sub's, I always thought that it would be a good thing to be 
able to blow all MBT's and have the air reach them; just ask the men of the 
USS Oklahoma, "58 down and still around")

Also at that time, there was not a procedure for a rapid SCRAM recovery (fast 
recovery start up).  This was corrected.

Enviromental test to date show there is very little contamination of the 
surrounding area where the USS Thresher is located.  Yet another testiment of 
the sound quality of Navy Nuclear Reactors.

An article was published in last year's ANS, ~October 98, about the 
anniversary of the Nuclear Navy.  The Nuclear Navy has been around longer 
than the civilian power plants; made the first civilian power plant; and 
versus the United States Power Plants, has more operating hours; and the Navy 
has never melted a core.

They have continued to meet the changing missions of the United States; 
operated under budget cuts; were some of the first to comply with, and exceed 
changing environmental laws.

If the Nuclear Navy had been managed like the Civilian Nuclear Industry or 
the Department of Energy complexes, it would be a fraction of what it still 
remains today, and enjoy not a fraction of the respect it receives from other 
peer groups. 

Michael D. Kent RRPT/SS
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