The USS Nautilus, launched in 1954, marked the advent of nuclear-powered submarines, revolutionizing naval operations with extended submerged capabilities. Today, the world’s navies operate over 160 vessels powered by nuclear reactors, including the U.S. with its dominant fleet of nuclear aircraft carriers. While nuclear power offers strategic military advantages, it also raises significant ecological concerns, especially considering historical accidents like the USS Thresher’s sinking in 1962. Despite assurances of minimal environmental impact from such incidents, the broader implications of potential wartime destruction of nuclear-powered vessels remain a critical issue, especially with rising global military tensions.
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Author: Maya Carlin
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