Jimmy Carter, Former President, Humanitarian and Navy Officer, Dies at 100
Former President Jimmy Carter, who lived to the remarkable age of 100, passed away on Sunday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. His life was marked by significant achievements, both in politics and humanitarian efforts. However, long before he became a prominent figure in American politics and won the Nobel Peace Prize, Carter played a crucial role in the development of America’s nuclear-powered submarine program. This lesser-known chapter of his life showcases his commitment to service and innovation.
Early Life and Naval Career
James Earl Carter, Jr. was born in 1924 in the small town of Plains, Georgia. After completing high school, he pursued higher education at Georgia Tech and later attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. Initially, he served in the surface fleet for two years before seeking a transfer to the submarine community. He joined the crew of the experimental attack submarine SSK-1, which would later be known as the USS Barracuda. As part of the commissioning crew, Carter served as the engineering officer during the submarine’s first year in service.
In 1952, Carter sought to be part of a groundbreaking project in the Navy: Admiral Hyman G. Rickover’s nuclear submarine program. This initiative aimed to revolutionize naval warfare with the introduction of nuclear-powered vessels. In June of that year, the keel of the USS Nautilus was laid down, marking the beginning of a new era in naval history. The Nautilus would become the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, paving the way for all subsequent nuclear vessels in the U.S. Navy.
Carter’s selection for this prestigious program was no small feat. Admiral Rickover was known for his rigorous standards and selective recruitment process. From November 1952 to March 1953, Carter worked with the Naval Reactors Branch of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, focusing on the design and development of nuclear propulsion plants for naval vessels. This experience would prove invaluable as he contributed to the future of naval technology.
Challenges and Transition to Politics
Carter’s early career in the nuclear submarine program was not without challenges. In December 1952, he faced a significant crisis when the research reactor at Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario partially melted down. This incident was one of the first serious reactor accidents in history. Due to a series of human errors, the reactor experienced a power surge that led to a small explosion and the accumulation of highly radioactive wastewater. Dispatched by Admiral Rickover, Lieutenant Carter led a team of Navy servicemen to assist Canadian officials in disassembling the damaged reactor core and managing the cleanup. During this operation, he was exposed to high doses of radiation, an experience he later recounted in interviews.
In March 1953, Carter began training to become the engineering officer for the USS Seawolf, the first nuclear submarine powered by a sodium-cooled reactor. However, personal tragedy struck when his father passed away in July 1953. Faced with the responsibility of managing the family farm, Carter made the difficult decision to resign his commission and return home. Although this marked a significant shift in his career, it would not be long before he transitioned into public service.
Carter’s political journey began in 1963 when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. He later served as the governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. In 1976, he entered the race for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination as an underdog. Against all odds, he secured the nomination and went on to defeat incumbent President Gerald Ford. During his presidency, Carter faced numerous challenges, including economic crises and international tensions. Despite losing his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980, he dedicated his post-presidency years to humanitarian work, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in promoting democracy and human rights worldwide.
Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His legacy of service, both in the military and in public life, will be remembered for generations to come.
