Table of Contents
What happens if a US carrier is sunk?
But again, the attacker would run severe risks. Damaging or sinking a carrier could result in a much stronger U.S. commitment to the conflict, as well as a U.S. decision to escalate either vertically (by using additional weapon systems) or horizontally (by widening the geographic scope of the fight).
What happens if a nuclear reactor is left unattended?
They would not explode (nuclear plants cannot explode like atomic bombs). but they might eventually experience a full or partially meltdown. Initially and for a while, they would likely continue to operate but they would eventually automatically shutdown.
What happens to nuclear reactors used to power aircraft carriers?
The USS Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier powered by two nuclear reactors, is docked near San Diego, California. Source: U.S. Navy. When the nuclear reactors used to power submarines and aircraft carriers are disposed of, the Department of Defense maintains and monitors the radioactive parts.
How does nuclear power work on a submarine?
Nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers are powered by onboard nuclear reactors. Atoms in the nuclear reactor split, which releases energy as heat. This heat is used to create high-pressured steam. The steam turns propulsion turbines that provide the power to turn the propeller.
What happens to nuclear vessels when they are taken out of service?
When a nuclear vessel is taken out of service, the federal government disposes of and monitors its radioactive parts. Some of the submarines and aircraft carriers in the United States fleet are powered by nuclear reactors.
What happens to nuclear reactors when they are no longer used?
When the nuclear reactors used to power submarines and aircraft carriers are disposed of, the Department of Defense maintains and monitors the radioactive parts. When submarine and aircraft carrier nuclear reactors are no longer being used, the compartments are shipped to the final disposal site on barges.