Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Max Biesecker | 250321-N-KP843-1001 (March 21, 2025) Graphic depicting the anatomy of the Nimitz-class...... read more read more
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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (March 10, 2025) – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is the second nuclear-powered carrier of its class to implement a new reactor pin program. The program, started in December 2024, recognizes senior in-rate qualifications within the reactor department, providing Sailors with a visible symbol of their expertise and contributions to shipboard operations.
Modeled after a similar initiative on Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the reactor pin program was developed to motivate and foster pride among Sailors who complete their most advanced reactor watch station qualifications.
“We strive to recognize our personnel as quickly as possible for the important work they are performing every day,” said Capt. Crystal Miller, Stennis’ reactor officer. “The implementation of the senior-in-rate pin on Stennis is an important step in that continuum of recognition, and allows reactor department Sailors to publicly display this professional achievement.”
According to Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 1st Class Trent Crow, who played a key role in the program’s implementation, the pin serves as a physical representation of a Sailor’s knowledge and dedication.
“You spend three to four years of your contract working toward qualifying your senior in-rate watch station,” said Crow. “This pin symbolizes the challenges Sailors have overcome, while also making it easier for junior Sailors to identify subject matter experts within the department.”
Before the program’s introduction, reactor department qualifications were recognized primarily through verbal announcements from ship leadership. Now, the pin provides a lasting and visible
acknowledgment of technical expertise.
“Previously, once a Sailor completed their final board, which could be with the reactor officer or the commanding officer, they would shake hands and that was it,” explained Crow. “This pin gives them something tangible to wear and display their achievement.”
The Stennis reactor pin was designed to represent all key reactor department scopes of responsibility; Electronics Technicians (Nuclear), who serve as reactor operators; mechanics, in charge of propulsion and making sure proper fluid gets where it needs to go; electricians, tasked with turning steam into electricity and its distribution; as well as enginemen, responsible for emergency diesel back up in case of a casualty. The trefoil radiation symbol at the center highlights the nature of the work they perform, and the pin itself glows in the dark, a unique feature that adds to its distinctiveness.
The implementation of the program enhances operational readiness by providing Sailors with an additional incentive to complete their qualifications in a timely manner.
“In this type of environment, motivation can be tough,” said Crow. “The reactor pin gives Sailors something to work toward, reinforcing their commitment to professional development and reactor
operations.”
The program also serves a practical function within the department. By allowing junior Sailors to quickly identify senior in-rate personnel, the pin streamlines the qualification process and ensures individuals can efficiently seek guidance from experienced mentors.
“If a Sailor has a technical question, they can look for someone wearing the pin and know they’re talking to a subject matter expert,” stated Crow. “It speeds up learning and helps us all be better prepared for the challenges ahead.”
With the Stennis being only the second carrier to implement the program, its success could set the stage for a broader fleet-wide adoption. Crow noted that similar initiatives have been discussed in the past, such as a Navy-wide nuclear warfare pin, but for now this remains the only type of formal recognition program at the carrier level.
“From what I’ve seen, the morale boost has been significant,” said Crow. “Sailors wear the pin with pride, and leadership has been fully supportive of the initiative. I can see this expanding to other carriers in the future.”
As USS John C. Stennis continues its Refueling and Complex Overhaul period, the Reactor Pin Program stands as a testament to the ship’s commitment to professional development, innovation and readiness within the Navy’s nuclear community.
| Date Taken: | 03.31.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.01.2025 12:14 |
| Story ID: | 494254 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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