Read Part 2 about the birth of the nuclear navy ... in Oak Ridge
The K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant provided the first highly enriched uranium that was provided to the U.S. Navy. During the Cold War, the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant was a significant producer of highly enriched uranium for both nuclear weapons and naval reactor fuel. The highly enriched uranium produced at K-25, along with that from the Portsmouth, Ohio plant, was essential for the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers for the early years through the 1990s.
The Y-12 National Security Complex has provided the highly enriched uranium for the Navy since 2002. From 1991 to 2002, existing highly enriched uranium that was in the production stream was sufficient, but the transition to the conversion of dismantled nuclear weapons material also began during the later years of this period. For the foreseeable future, Y-12 will continue to provide for the U.S. Navy's highly enriched uranium needs.
The Y-12 National Security Complex played a significant and unique role in the USS Seawolf project, particularly concerning its propulsor (the system that propels the submarine, including the propeller itself). This was a significant opportunity for the nation to see the uniqueness of Y-12's manufacturing capabilities beyond just nuclear weapons components.
In the late 1980s, the U.S. Navy designed the Seawolf-class (SSN-21) submarines intended to be exceptionally fast and quiet. One of the main elements was an innovative propulsor design. The Navy faced a significant manufacturing challenge with the complex, precision-machined components needed for this new propulsor.
Through ORNL connections that existed, the Y-12 Plant's precise and advanced manufacturing capabilities needed for nuclear weapons components were recommended to the Navy. Also, no other potential contractors would undertake the schedule or technical difficulties the Navy desired. Y-12 accepted the task of manufacturing a full-scale prototype propulsor. Y-12 acquired a large five-axis, computer-controlled milling machine as well as a massive lathe, and even added a 6,500-square-foot wing to the Alpha 1 machine shop.
The project began in 1989 and was delivered in three subassemblies in 1993, ahead of schedule and within budget. In recognition of this tremendous manufacturing accomplishment, the U.S. Congress designated Y-12 as a National Prototype Center. Y-12 also made the third subassembly for the second Seawolf submarine, spare parts for the propulsors, and transferred the manufacturing process to the U.S. Navy. Y-12 also contributed to the later Virginia-class submarine program.
The designation, in 1997, as one of the nation's National Prototype Centers has enabled Y-12 to assist other government agencies and become recognized as one of the nation's most capable precision machining centers. Oak Ridge, with the expertise of ORNL, Y-12, and the recent emphasis on a vital role in the nation's nuclear renaissance, which is resulting in new industry related to processing nuclear fuel for small modular reactors, as well as the small modular reactors being built here, is again leading the nation toward advancements in nuclear energy.
The collective efforts of Oak Ridge's scientific and industrial workforce profoundly shaped the trajectory of the nuclear navy. The seamless transfer of technology and expertise between ORNL, Y-12, the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and the Navy fueled not only the physical development of submarines and their reactors, but also established a culture of rigorous precision and innovation. As submarines and aircraft carriers evolved, the partnerships that had proved so fruitful for the Seawolf's propulsor continued to bear fruit in new reactor designs, advanced manufacturing, and materials science.
This synergy also fostered a spirit of collaboration beyond military applications, as Oak Ridge's role in nuclear energy broadened to support civilian advancements. The city's legacy is seen not only in deployed vessels, but in the ongoing education and training of engineers, machinists, and scientists who continue to push the boundaries of nuclear technology.
Today, the U.S. nuclear navy consists of more than 70 nuclear-powered submarines, including ballistic missile submarines, such as the Ohio-class, equipped with Trident II missiles for nuclear deterrence; attack submarines, like the Virginia-class, which are designed for intelligence, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare; and, 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including the Nimitz- and Ford-class carriers, which provide unmatched global reach and sustained air power.
These vessels can operate for more than 20 years without refueling thanks to their compact and efficient pressurized water reactors. Modern naval reactors are designed for high-power output, long-core life, and strict containment, embodying lessons from Oak Ridge and the legacy of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover's discipline.
Nuclear navy display for Oak Ridge
In recognition of the importance of the birth of the nuclear navy in Oak Ridge in 1946, a prominent monument that tells that story is being planned. The USS Houston submarine has been decommissioned and is scheduled for demolition. The conning tower (known as the 'sail') of the USS Houston is being requested by the American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation for display in the city of Oak Ridge. The scheduled demolition of the submarine will be completed by October 2026.
We plan to have a statue of Admiral Rickover and Alvin Weinberg located with the sail. The statues are being created by Oak Ridge High School's Wildcat Manufacturing. The intention is to 3-D print them and to have them be interactive using artificial intelligence. This is part of the 'Giants of Oak Ridge' statue project that the Wildcat Manufacturing team of high school students is undertaking.
The location chosen for the display is just south of the Secret City Commemorative Walk and is being included in a master plan for the redevelopment of A.K. Bissell Park. The plans for the USS Houston sail and "Giants of Oak Ridge" statues are also being included in the current Oak Ridge Master Plan update effort.
In conclusion, the birth of the U.S. Navy's nuclear navy, one of the most significant elements of nuclear deterrence for the nation, had its origin in Oak Ridge. Because of the efforts of Admiral Rickover and Alvin Weinberg, substantial advancement of the understanding of how to effectively use nuclear power resulted in advances in the use of the amazing new potential of the Nuclear Age.
Both of them easily qualify as being among the 'Giants of Oak Ridge.' Other individuals who will be recognized in the future as 'Giants of Oak Ridge' will be identified, and 3D-printed statues of them will be placed in locations yet to be determined. One example of a probable location might be the history walk being considered as part of the Bissell Park redevelopment planning.
D. Ray Smith is the city of Oak Ridge historian. His "Historically Speaking" columns are published weekly in The Oak Ridger.
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge: The birth of the nuclear navy, Part 2
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Read Part 2 about the birth of the nuclear navy ... in Oak Ridge
In the first part of this "Historically Speaking" series, the role of Oak Ridge National Laboratory's support for the U.S. Navy was featured. Now, we will look at the roles of the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant and the Y-12 Plant (later known as the Y-12 National Security Complex). The K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant provided the first highly enriched uranium that was provided to the U.S. Navy. During the Cold War, the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant was a significant producer of highly enriched uranium for both nuclear weapons and naval reactor fuel. The highly enriched uranium produced at K-25, along with that from the Portsmouth, Ohio plant, was essential for the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers for the early years through the 1990s. The Y-12 National Security Complex has provided the highly enriched uranium for the Navy since 2002. From 1991 to 2002, existing highly enriched uranium that was in the production stream was sufficient, but the transition to the conversion of dismantled nuclear weapons material also began during the later years of this period. For the foreseeable future, Y-12 will continue to provide for the U.S. Navy's highly enriched uranium needs. The Y-12 National Security Complex played a significant and unique role in the USS Seawolf project, particularly concerning its propulsor (the system that propels the submarine, including the propeller itself). This was a significant opportunity for the nation to see the uniqueness of Y-12's manufacturing capabilities beyond just nuclear weapons components. In the late 1980s, the U.S. Navy designed the Seawolf-class (SSN-21) submarines intended to be exceptionally fast and quiet. One of the main elements was an innovative propulsor design. The Navy faced a significant manufacturing challenge with the complex, precision-machined components needed for this new propulsor. Through ORNL connections that existed, the Y-12 Plant's precise and advanced manufacturing capabilities needed for nuclear weapons components were recommended to the Navy. Also, no other potential contractors would undertake the schedule or technical difficulties the Navy desired. Y-12 accepted the task of manufacturing a full-scale prototype propulsor. Y-12 acquired a large five-axis, computer-controlled milling machine as well as a massive lathe, and even added a 6,500-square-foot wing to the Alpha 1 machine shop. The project began in 1989 and was delivered in three subassemblies in 1993, ahead of schedule and within budget. In recognition of this tremendous manufacturing accomplishment, the U.S. Congress designated Y-12 as a National Prototype Center. Y-12 also made the third subassembly for the second Seawolf submarine, spare parts for the propulsors, and transferred the manufacturing process to the U.S. Navy. Y-12 also contributed to the later Virginia-class submarine program. The designation, in 1997, as one of the nation's National Prototype Centers has enabled Y-12 to assist other government agencies and become recognized as one of the nation's most capable precision machining centers. Oak Ridge, with the expertise of ORNL, Y-12, and the recent emphasis on a vital role in the nation's nuclear renaissance, which is resulting in new industry related to processing nuclear fuel for small modular reactors, as well as the small modular reactors being built here, is again leading the nation toward advancements in nuclear energy. The collective efforts of Oak Ridge's scientific and industrial workforce profoundly shaped the trajectory of the nuclear navy. The seamless transfer of technology and expertise between ORNL, Y-12, the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and the Navy fueled not only the physical development of submarines and their reactors, but also established a culture of rigorous precision and innovation. As submarines and aircraft carriers evolved, the partnerships that had proved so fruitful for the Seawolf's propulsor continued to bear fruit in new reactor designs, advanced manufacturing, and materials science. This synergy also fostered a spirit of collaboration beyond military applications, as Oak Ridge's role in nuclear energy broadened to support civilian advancements. The city's legacy is seen not only in deployed vessels, but in the ongoing education and training of engineers, machinists, and scientists who continue to push the boundaries of nuclear technology. Today, the U.S. nuclear navy consists of more than 70 nuclear-powered submarines, including ballistic missile submarines, such as the Ohio-class, equipped with Trident II missiles for nuclear deterrence; attack submarines, like the Virginia-class, which are designed for intelligence, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare; and, 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including the Nimitz- and Ford-class carriers, which provide unmatched global reach and sustained air power. These vessels can operate for more than 20 years without refueling thanks to their compact and efficient pressurized water reactors. Modern naval reactors are designed for high-power output, long-core life, and strict containment, embodying lessons from Oak Ridge and the legacy of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover's discipline. Nuclear navy display for Oak Ridge In recognition of the importance of the birth of the nuclear navy in Oak Ridge in 1946, a prominent monument that tells that story is being planned. The USS Houston submarine has been decommissioned and is scheduled for demolition. The conning tower (known as the 'sail') of the USS Houston is being requested by the American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation for display in the city of Oak Ridge. The scheduled demolition of the submarine will be completed by October 2026. We plan to have a statue of Admiral Rickover and Alvin Weinberg located with the sail. The statues are being created by Oak Ridge High School's Wildcat Manufacturing. The intention is to 3-D print them and to have them be interactive using artificial intelligence. This is part of the 'Giants of Oak Ridge' statue project that the Wildcat Manufacturing team of high school students is undertaking. The location chosen for the display is just south of the Secret City Commemorative Walk and is being included in a master plan for the redevelopment of A.K. Bissell Park. The plans for the USS Houston sail and "Giants of Oak Ridge" statues are also being included in the current Oak Ridge Master Plan update effort. In conclusion, the birth of the U.S. Navy's nuclear navy, one of the most significant elements of nuclear deterrence for the nation, had its origin in Oak Ridge. Because of the efforts of Admiral Rickover and Alvin Weinberg, substantial advancement of the understanding of how to effectively use nuclear power resulted in advances in the use of the amazing new potential of the Nuclear Age. Both of them easily qualify as being among the 'Giants of Oak Ridge.' Other individuals who will be recognized in the future as 'Giants of Oak Ridge' will be identified, and 3D-printed statues of them will be placed in locations yet to be determined. One example of a probable location might be the history walk being considered as part of the Bissell Park redevelopment planning. D. Ray Smith is the city of Oak Ridge historian. His "Historically Speaking" columns are published weekly in The Oak Ridger. This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge: The birth of the nuclear navy, Part 2 Solve the daily Crossword
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Scientists make startling discovery after analyzing historic photos of Antarctic ice shelves: 'An unambiguous signal'
Scientists make startling discovery after analyzing historic photos of Antarctic ice shelves: 'An unambiguous signal' They could have missed it — a black-and-white aerial image taken back in 1966. The photographer is imagined to have been a member of the U.S. Navy who was likely mapping the Antarctic landscape. But, years later, a few researchers noticed something unusual. That frozen frame seemed to show the Wordie Ice Shelf giving way. The old photo turned out to be a major clue, one that could reshape our understanding of Antarctica's melting crisis and show why ignoring it could cost us. What's happening? Researchers at the University of Copenhagen, the institution shared in a release, compared those vintage photos to newer satellite images. What they found was quiet but alarming: The Wordie Ice Shelf hadn't just melted from the surface — it had been worn down from beneath. Warmer ocean waters, they deduced, had slipped under the ice, slicing into it from the inside out. With the team's findings published in Nature Communications in April, corresponding author Mads Dømgaard explained in the university's release, "We have identified several signs of incipient ice shelf collapse that we expect will be observed in other ice shelves, but perhaps more importantly, the dataset has given us a multitude of pinning points that can reveal how far advanced a collapse is. It's a completely new tool." Dømgaard says the resource could be used to assess shelves that could collapse or are already collapsing. Co-author Anders Anker Bjørk added that they've found the process of "ice shelf collapse may be slower than we thought." But Bjørk also strongly cautioned, " … this longer process will make it harder to reverse the trend once it has started. This is an unambiguous signal to prioritise halting greenhouse gas emissions now rather than sometime in the future." Why does it matter? Wordie wasn't huge to start — losing it has bumped sea levels by only millimeters — but it has given scientists a look into the future. If bigger ice shelves, such as Ross or Ronne, crumble, the chain reaction could be a lot worse. These shelves currently provide a stabilizing force, and once they break down, it could be difficult to prevent further damage. That's why tools that might help researchers spot the signs of collapse earlier on could really matter. They might buy us more time — and offer stronger motivation to make a change. Do you think our power grid needs to be upgraded? Definitely Only in some states Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What can be done? Research like this in-depth look at the Wordie Ice Shelf can encourage more effective mitigation and adaptation efforts. As Bjørk noted, the team's findings underscore the urgency with which governments and coalitions need to reduce the amount of heat-trapping, ice-melting pollution in our atmosphere. They could also help state officials and community advocates better prepare to withstand the effects of rising sea levels by taking actions like updating flood guidance, reworking zoning ordinances, and relocating and strengthening critical infrastructure. But maybe these activities don't fall under your personal purview? Individual choices can still stack up — especially when organized en masse. Residents can organize support for policies that lower emissions, ask local officials how they're preparing for sea level rise, and use clean energy options whenever available. That photo sat, seemingly untouched, for decades. But it captured something big. And committed people took it to the next step. What happens next — that's still up to us. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
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Treatment close to or as the medical event is occurring can literally save the patient's life. Their model also eliminates the manual time-consuming work required to study EEG results, which often takes hours of effort, and it is particularly valuable in situations such as emergencies, when high quality data can support better real-time medical decisions and interventions. The result? Improved healthcare outcomes. Cleveland Clinic Makes A Bet On Piramidal Cleveland Clinic, opened in 1921, is a medical center with 23 hospitals and 280 outpatient facilities globally. In 2024 it served close to 16 million patients, and it is considered one of the world's top centers for neurology. As a large provider, the Clinic has around 100 EEG devices in ICUs serving patients at any time. Monitoring, reporting, and managing each EEG is a highly time-consuming task relying on scarce time availability from medical professionals. 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They acknowledge that it's going to require a lot more investment, after all, training a large neuro model doesn't come cheap. With AI, perhaps many of our worst healthcare fears, from cancer to neurological diseases, will be soon be overcome. That future can't come fast enough.
