Admiral Rickover and the Nuclear Navy: Lessons in Industrial Policy
This article recounts the story of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover and his creation of the US nuclear navy, offering valuable lessons for America's current efforts to rebuild its industrial strength. Through rigorous personnel selection, continuous technical training, and strict project management, Rickover built the world's first nuclear-powered submarine and the world's largest fleet of civilian nuclear reactors within a decade. His success wasn't solely reliant on legislation or funding, but rather on cultivating highly capable personnel, establishing a high-performance organizational culture, and navigating government bureaucracy strategically. Rickover's story highlights the critical importance of strong leadership and talent cultivation in industrial policy, crucial for America's strategic competition with China.