JOINT FLEET MAINTENANCE MANUAL

COMFLTFORCOMINST 4790.3 REV A CH-1
2.2 NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND NUCLEAR PROPULSION DIRECTORATE (NUCLEAR POWERED
SHIPS ONLY).
2.2.1 Pre-Commissioning. NAVSEA Nuclear Propulsion Directorate (08) responsibilities for the Pre-
Commissioning period are as follows:
a. Provide specifications for the building and testing of the nuclear propulsion plant.
b. Provide supervision and direction of nuclear propulsion plant testing and trials.
c. Approve the sequencing and scheduling of nuclear propulsion plant tests and trials.
d. Arrange for technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, including the Pre-Critical
Examination by the Director, Division of Naval Reactors.
e. Provide written instructions to the Supervising Authority regarding the conduct and scheduling of all
dockside tests and underway trials involving operation of the nuclear propulsion plant.
f. Authorize critical operation of the reactor.
g. Authorize commencement of Fast Cruise after receiving notification from the Supervising Authority
that the ship has demonstrated a satisfactory state of training.
2.2.2 Reactor Safeguard Examination. A Pre-critical Reactor Safeguard Examination (RSE) will be conducted by
NAVSEA 08 prior to initial reactor criticality. NAVSEA 08 will approve operation of the Nuclear Propulsion Plant
during dockside testing and underway trials. Volume I, Chapter 3, Appendix C of this manual provides information
on Pre-RSE preparations.
2.2.3 Criticality/Power Range Testing. Upon receiving the request for initial criticality from the Supervising
Authority, NAVSEA 08 will authorize critical operation of the reactor, with subsequent power range testing.
Appendix H of this chapter provides a listing of the events leading up to the authorization for critical operation of
Naval Nuclear Propulsion plants, with sample request messages and/or letters.
2.2.4 Post Shakedown Availability. NAVSEA 08 responsibilities for the PSA period are as follows:
a. Provide approved test procedures for the verification of reactor plant repairs and alterations
accomplished in the availability.
b. Arrange for technical assistance by the U.S. Department of Energy as required.
2.3 TYPE COMMANDER. Reference (a) states the TYCOM is responsible for monitoring the construction and
acceptance process to ensure "customer" input is provided. Reference (d) describes the TYCOM's responsibilities
during new construction for Submarine Fly-By-Wire Ship Control Systems (FBW SCS). The following summarizes
major TYCOM responsibilities during the Pre-Commissioning, FCT/GMI and PSA periods.
2.3.1 Pre-Commissioning. During the construction phase, major TYCOM responsibilities include but are not
limited to:
a. (Surface Ships and Submarines only) Designating an Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) for all
units being built within the TYCOM's geographical area of responsibility.
b. Ensuring that the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) is placed on distribution for all message traffic
applicable to the platform and platform's operational environment.
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