The decommissioned 10-megawatt thermal reactor at Fort Belvoir, VA, is notable as first nuclear power reactor in the U.S. to provide electricity to a commercial power grid. It has an interesting history in that it was a test bead for various designs of portable reactors that the Navy envisioned being moved to remote locations on self-contained ships and aircraft.
Fort Belvoir SM-1 Nuclear Reactor
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By jbottero @ 2006-01-23 17:21:41
N1ETN
@ 2006-01-28 12:06:30
The caption indicates that the NAVY was the agency using this facility for ships and containerized power plants. I was stationed here for training in the 70's and know that the ARMY was responsible for the facility. The only thing the NAVY was involved in was the NAVY MUSE program sent technicians to this facility for training
jbottero
@ 2006-01-31 12:05:42
Yes, it seems that the Army did operate this reactor, but the documentation implies that this and similar facilities where involved in joint programs.
Anonymous
@ 2008-06-02 13:52:02
I served at the SM-1 for nine years (total time).I was there when it went on line in April 1957. My last assignment there was as the Power Plant Superintendent, May thru September,1971. This plant was an ARMY Plant of the Corps of Engineers. We trained Navy and Air Force personnel there. We also provided training for personnel of the Savannah, the nuclear powered cargo ship. This plant definitely is an Army plant, originally designated the APPR-1. I am retired Sgt Major Robert T Shakour one of the original cadre for the Army Nuclear Program.
Anonymous
@ 2013-03-22 20:15:39
The Navy ran a program here to train nuclear power plan operators - it was a Navy Program administered by the Army. I was there 1968.
Anonymous
@ 2013-03-22 20:17:12
Also - funny thing; they are now building quarters where we stored nuclear waste....Tulley Gate as you are going up the hill on your left....not many people realize this....
Anonymous
@ 2018-05-02 07:01:57
lived on Belvoir during sm1 era . heard rumors about waste dumping there. also heard about floating nuclear power plant at this time. thank you Sgt Maj Shakour for your service ,also you may know Sgt Robert E Armstrong my dad .