1983 - 3 Ex-President Tribute to Rickover

A TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL H. G. RICKOVER was held on February 28, 1983 to mark the beginning of the Rickover Foundation (now known as Center for Excellence in Education (CEE)). It is believed to have been held at the Washington Hilton (unconfirmed). The tribute was covered by major newspapers. Here are links to the articles in NY Times, Washington Post, and UPI. Note that signin may be required to access these.

Remarks were made by:

SENATOR JACKSON

PRESIDENT CARTER

SENATOR WARNER

PRESIDENT FORD

SENATOR THURMOND

PRESIDENT NIXON

ADMIRAL RICKOVER

CONGRESSMAN BENNETT

The tribute highlighted Rickover’s **profound impact on naval nuclear propulsion, national security, and leadership. Here is a summary of each speech:

1. Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson**

Senator Jackson praised Admiral Rickover’s dedication and perseverance, noting his influence over multiple presidents and naval leadership. He acknowledged Rickover’s contributions to nuclear propulsion and national defense, emphasizing that Rickover often led those who technically outranked him. Jackson also recalled President Carter awarding Rickover the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980.

2. President Jimmy Carter**

Carter shared his personal relationship with Rickover, whom he served under as a naval officer before becoming President. He credited Rickover as a mentor and a key figure in advancing nuclear-powered vessels. Carter highlighted Rickover’s "23,000 reactor-years of safe operation" without a nuclear accident, underscoring his commitment to engineering excellence and national security.

3. Senator John Warner**

Warner spoke about Rickover’s "sense of humor and rigorous interview process" for naval officers. He recounted an amusing story where Rickover called him urgently, only to request a "waiver to marry a fellow naval officer" Warner also credited President Ford for initiating the **600-ship Navy program** that built upon Rickover’s nuclear fleet.

4. President Gerald Ford**

Ford reminisced about his early encounters with Rickover while serving on the "House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee". He credited Rickover with convincing Congress of the "necessity of nuclear submarines" and their role in national defense. Ford humorously noted that "Rickover had more years in government service than the combined tenures of three U.S. Presidents present" at the event.

5. Senator Strom Thurmond

Thurmond described Rickover as a "legend in his own time", emphasizing his "perseverance, leadership, and business acumen". He acknowledged Rickover’s contributions to both military strategy and American technological superiority.

6. President Richard Nixon

Nixon recounted his 1959 trip to Moscow, where he selected Rickover as his naval aide despite opposition. He praised Rickover’s "abrasiveness and determination", particularly during a visit to Leningrad, where Rickover "insisted on inspecting a Soviet nuclear icebreaker" despite Soviet resistance.

7. Admiral Hyman G. Rickover

Rickover reflected on his "difficult upbringing and early struggles". He emphasized the importance of "education, discipline, and hard work", revealing his desire to establish a "foundation to promote excellence in science, mathematics, and literature". He humorously modified an old military saying, stating: "Admirals never die, and they do not fade away.".

8. Congressman Charles Bennett

Bennett recounted personal stories of Rickover’s **compassion and mentorship**, including his support during personal hardships and his encouragement during a political campaign. Bennett concluded with an announcement: **a 688-class submarine (SSN-709) would be named USS HYMAN G. RICKOVER**, with Rickover’s wife, Eleanore, as its sponsor.

This transcript is courtesy of Bill Schmitt (NRHQ 1974-2007).