Preserving the Past, Clearing the Future: Idaho Decommissions Naval Nuclear Prototypes

October 8, 2025, 3:32PMRadwaste SolutionsJohn “Carter” Harrison
The DOE Office of Environmental Management and cleanup contractor Idaho Environmental Coalition are leading efforts to deactivate and demolish three legacy Naval Reactors Program prototypes at the Naval Reactors Facility in Idaho. (Photos: DOE)

The Idaho National Laboratory Site has long played an essential part in American nuclear reactor research and development activities. It is also a cornerstone of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. The Naval Reactors Facility (NRF) on the INL Site, located in southeastern Idaho, was home to three historic land-based naval reactor prototypes—the Submarine 1st Generation Westinghouse (S1W) prototype, the Aircraft Carrier 1st Generation Westinghouse (A1W) prototype, and the Submarine 5th Generation General Electric (S5G) prototype—that facilitated critical training for naval personnel and testing that helped develop the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet.

To continue reading, log in or create a free account!