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tcmahoney
24 Oct 2007, 12:37 AM
In light of the recent Air Force screwup with nuclear missiles (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=596154), it brought to my mind something I read once about the Navy's procedures with it's nuclear-powered ships. The gist of it was that procedures were expected to be followed at all times.

How strict was the Navy? According to the article, anyone, including a ship commander, could be punished if procedures weren't followed. Not if something bad happened because procedures weren't followed, but if procedures weren't followed, period.

To me, it seems that when you're dealing with nuclear radiation and nuclear things that go boom, that's an admirable standard to follow. Are there any BigSoccer posters out there that can confirm this for me, and maybe give some examples of this strictness in action? Thanks.

Scarecrow
24 Oct 2007, 07:24 PM
Wish I knew for certain. I was never around any nukes, but I can't imagine that what you posted is inaccurate.

tcmahoney
26 Oct 2007, 02:03 AM
Well, I won't say I spoke too soon, but it looks like the United States Navy is not at all happy with Cmdr. Michael Portland (http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/navy_hampton_071025/).

Interesting to note this line: “Hampton’s operations were conducted safely but fell short of high Navy standards.” Seems like Cmdr. Portland forgot that safe operation depends on those high standards.

EDIT: Looks like the Navy is wasting no time with fooling around. (http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/navy_hamptoninvestigation_071021w/)