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Hyman Rickover was Director of Naval Reactors and a major force in United States nuclear reactor development (both military and commercial) for nearly four decades, profoundly shaping the development of the nuclear navy and commercial power. He personally interviewed every prospective naval nuclear officer and used his bureaucratic powers and political connections to promote pressurized water reactors in the Navy, as well as conservative submarine design. Some experts claim this allowed the Soviets to catch up to the USN in submarine technology, as well as a greater tolerance for risk as accidents among the Soviet Navy.

Interestingly, Rickover was allowed to continue in his position well into his eighties due to l a series of extraordinary appointments to special positions for two years at a time. This extended his service well past 1964, when he ordinarily would have faced mandatory retirement from the Navy.

What impact might there have been for the navy and commercial nuclear power if Rickover had retired in 1964? Also, who might have succeeded him as Director of Naval Reactors?
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