JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Director of Naval Reactors Adm. Kirkland Donald, presented the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation to Capt. Dennis White, NPTU commanding officer, during a ceremony held at NPTU at Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station March 8.
The personnel at NPTU Charleston were awarded the MUC for the period September 1, 2008 to December 16, 2011. Specific achievements during that time frame included certifying the majority of the nuclear operators reporting to the United States nuclear fleet. This increased production coincided with three open ocean tows of the unit's moored training ships, planning and preparations for a site facilities expansion and a transition from operating under the old Naval Weapons Station to the new Air Force-managed Joint Base Charleston.
NPTU Charleston uses two converted former nuclear powered submarines to train the Navy's nuclear propulsion operators in the practical aspects of naval nuclear propulsion before they are assigned to the fleet. Nuclear propulsion training begins with an intensive 24-week classroom program at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, also located at JB Charleston - Weapons Station. This is followed by 24 weeks of additional training and watchstanding experience under the close supervision of experienced operators at either NPTU Charleston or NPTU Ballston Spa, New York.