As of 2005, the U.S. Navy was running 103 nuclear reactors, supplying power to more than 80 vessels. The number of reactors is higher than the number of vessels, because some vessels have more than one reactor. These nuclear-powered vessels include most aircraft carriers and all submarines.
The U.S. Navy boasts approximately 5,500 reactor-years with no nuclear accident. A reactor-year is the sum of the number of years of experience with each individual reactor. Thus, 10 years of experience with 100 reactors would equal 1,000 reactor-years.
The U.S. Navy Nuclear Field Program trains enlisted personnel to work as technicians on various aspects of nuclear power operation. The Navy's Nuclear Officer Program trains officers holding degrees in physics, engineering and other relevant areas to be nuclear engineers. Officers also may be sponsored to pursue advanced degrees and civilian institutions. Programs include the Naval Nuclear Power School, the Nuclear Power Training Unit and the Submarine Officer Basic Course.