1969 - NR-1 Sea Trial Letter

This is a copy of the sea trials letter written by Rickover during the NR-1 sea trials on August 18, 1969. This particular copy is written to US Representative Edward Garmatz. Text of the letter is as follows:

At Sea North Atlantic

18 August 1969

Dear Mr. Garmatz:

We are returning from the first sea trials of the NR 1,, the world's first nuclear-powered deep submergence research and ocean engineering submarine. The ship completed all tests, both surface and submersed. The N-1 was built by the Electric boat Company,. Groton, Connecticut.

The ER-1 is design ed to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear propulsion in a small submarine and to perform a variety of ocean engineering tasks for military and scientific purposes.

Existing deep ocean submersibles are limited in endurance and range by their storage battery capacity. NR-1 will be able to steam for periods of time limited only by the amount of food and supplies she carries. Because of the vastly increased endurance made possible by nuclear power, her capability will be an order of magnitude greater than that of any other existing or planned underwater research vehicle, The technology gained from the NR-1 will provide the basis for development of future nuclear-powered deep submergence research submarines of still greater versatility and depth capability.

At the special features of the ship are viewing ports, external lights, external television cameras, and a remote-controlled manipulator for picking up objects from the ocean bottom. She carries a crew of five and two scientists.

In addition to the NR-1, we also have 44 attack type and 41 Polaris nuclear submarines in operation. When all nuclear ships presently authorized by Congress ere completed, the United States will have, besides the NR-1, an operating nuclear fleet of 65 attack and 41 Polaris submarines, two aircraft carriers, one cruiser, and four frigates.

The Honorable Edward A. Garmatz

U. S..Rouse of Representatives

Respectfully,

H. G. Rickover